KUCHING: The recent decision allowing all civil servants to wear batik attire for their daily work has drawn mixed reactions from among Sarawak civil servants.
This decision, announced by Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Tuesday (Aug 22), was accompanied by a move to adjust temperatures in government offices to 25 degrees Celsius.
The aim is to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and contribute to its commitment of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
This movement not only has environmental implications but also holds the potential to impact various aspects of daily work life and the nation’s distinctive batik industry.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to several civil servants to gauge insights on the newly implemented dress code and the temperature adjustment.
Nur Izzatie Hatta, 30, Teacher
I hold the opinion that wearing batik daily might not be the most practical choice due to the nature of school activities, it would be more suitable for batik to be reserved for specific occasions such as the tradition of wearing it on Thursdays.
I believe that every decision carries a positive impact, but it should align with the current needs and circumstances. Personally, I value batik as a unique representation of Malaysia, and we should preserve its special significance by using it selectively.
Regarding the adjustment of room temperatures in government offices, I am confident that this is a commendable step, given that the suitable room temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius, it encourages a reduction in air conditioner usage.
Noor Syaffarina Ossen, 29, Civil Servant
I’m fully supportive of the recent decision to allow us to wear batik to work daily. This change not only showcases our rich batik culture to both locals and foreigners but also has the potential to boost sales for local merchants, which is fantastic.
Personally, I believe that this shift in dress code will enhance both my comfort and the overall work environment. Batik clothing is not only fashionable but also easier and more comfortable to wear, making workdays more enjoyable.
Furthermore, I’m confident that adopting batik as the official attire for civil servants will significantly impact the batik industry and foster its growth. It’s evident that people will be more drawn to purchasing batik products, supporting local artisans and the industry as a whole.
Sulau Geli, 60, Retired Police Officer
The move is an excellent idea and I wholeheartedly support it. Not only does it represent a step towards efficient electricity use, but it also signifies a meaningful effort to bolster the batik industry. Allowing civil servants to wear batik as a daily attire not only reflects our cultural heritage but also presents an opportunity to amplify the local batik market.
