18/03/2026

WEDNESDAY | MAR 18, 2026

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Post-Raya decision for govt WFH

heading home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri will enjoy a 50% toll discount on major highways as the government steps up efforts to ease festive travel and protect household finances amid global economic uncertainties. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Madani government is committed to safeguarding the well-being of the people throughout Ramadan and into Syawal . “Since the start of Ramadan, we have introduced multiple initiatives to lighten the financial burden on PUTRAJAYA: The government will finalise its work-from-home (WFH) policy for the public sector after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, focusing on non-critical services, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi told reporters the Cabinet has received an initial report from the chief secretary to the government and the Public Service Department, which outlined preliminary considerations for implementing WFH arrangements. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested that several aspects of the proposal be refined and presented more comprehensively before a final decision. “The prime minister has requested that the report be improved and presented in greater detail at the upcoming National Economic Action Council meeting, which will take place after Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” Fahmi said during a post Cabinet press conference. He added that the policy will prioritise non-critical sectors, noting the need for careful o Policy for non critical public sector to be finalised following refined reports and upcoming NEAC discussions Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

citizens,” he said, citing: 0 additional Aidilfitri leave days; 0 festive season maximum price scheme (March 14–28); 0 early STR Phase 2 payments of RM1.3 billion to 5.2 million recipi ents; 0 special financial assistance for public servants, retirees, veterans and religious personnel; 0 RM400 FLYsiswa flight subsidies; 0 nearly 1,900 Program Jualan Rahmah Madani events; and 0 ban on the sale of subsidised cooking oil to foreigners. As part of the festive relief, the coordination given the size of the public sector workforce. “Frontline services such as healthcare, education and enforcement will not be covered under the WFH arrangement,” he said. Commenting on whether the initiative would involve the private sector, Fahmi said discussions are currently focused on civil servants, given the large number of personnel in the sector and the need for policy coordination at the government level. “However, the government does not prevent the private sector from implementing WFH (option) if they feel there is a need at this time.” Fahmi said the prime minister also stressed that ministers must be proactive in holding engagement sessions with agencies under their respective ministries as well as industry stakeholders to obtain a comprehensive picture of the current challenges faced by each sector. He said, for example, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had held discussions with players in the aviation sector following developments in West Asia that have impacted the industry. “What will be done next is to compile all findings, and from the overall outcome, it will provide direction for efforts, initiatives and government assistance for certain sectors, if deemed necessary,” he said. On March 12, he stressed that the government’s approach would take broader economic conditions into account. “First, we will study the state of the global economy. We will look at agreement Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte Ltd (STT). The development marks a significant shift in ownership structure, strengthening domestic participation in one of Malaysia’s key mobile and broadband operator as U Mobile enters its next phase of corporate development. Tun Aminah brings leadership and governance experience, having led private organisations across a wide range of industries and served on the boards of several public-listed and with

Fahmi said frontline services such as healthcare, education and enforcement will not be covered under the WFH arrangement. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

public sector employees and their unions have renewed calls for the option to work from home, citing productivity, flexibility and work life balance as key benefits.

its government agencies and state enterprises to reduce energy consumption amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Following the announcement,

the figures and determine what actions the government should take.” His remarks came after Thailand announced WFH arrangements for

50% toll discount on major highways today and tomorrow PETALING JAYA: Malaysians

prepare for future uncertainties. The Malaysian Highway Authority anticipates a surge in traffic on main highways and connecting routes, especially towards the north, south, and east coast, from March 18, with peak traffic projected to reach 3.49 million vehicles. To ensure smooth and safe travel, the authority has instructed highway concessionaires to: 0 avoid lane closures except for emergencies from March 18 to 30; 0 activate 34 smart lane locations on PLUS highways; 0 keep all toll systems fully opera “The latest changes in the U Mobile boardroom reflect the company’s commitment to building digital infrastructure that is reliable, scalable and delivered on time. “Our focus is to strengthen governance and long-term funding support, so the management team can accelerate rollout and meet the coverage expectations set for the country’s second 5G network. “We intend to back this with sustained investment discipline and operational focus as U Mobile

government will provide a 50% toll discount for private vehicles on March 18 and 19. The discount applies from 12.01am on March 18 until 11.59pm on March 19, covering Class 1 vehicles (and Class 2 on the Penang Bridge), except at the Sultan Iskandar Building toll plaza on the North-South Expressway and the Tanjung Kupang toll plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (Linkedua). Anwar also urged Malaysians to spend responsibly and manage their finances prudently during Syawalto private companies. Her appointment follows Tan’s relinquishment of the chairmanship at the close of business on March 12. He will assume the role of founder and adviser to the board, where he will continue to provide guidance and support the company’s ongoing growth. Commenting on the changes, Tan said the boardroom transition reflects U Mobile’s commitment to building reliable and scalable digital infrastructure.

tional, with multi-lane collection at critical plazas; 0 conduct regular inspections of highways and R&R facilities; 0 provide 65 portable toilets and adequate water supply; and 0 deploy additional parking and personnel, including Rela volun teers, at R&R areas. Anwar extended his heartfelt wishes for a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, offering greetings of maaf zahir dan batin , underscoring the spirit of compassion and community central to the festive season. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH advances of development. I am delighted to share that U Mobile has been progressing well and is ahead of deployment schedule.” He said Tun Aminah brings extensive leadership and governance experience, having led private organisations across various industries and served on the boards of several public-listed and private companies. Mawar Setia is a Malaysian investment holding company founded by Tan and Tun Aminah. its next stage

Tun Aminah appointed U Mobile chairman

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim has been appointed chairman of U Mobile Sdn Bhd effective March 13, following Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s exit a day earlier as the telco moves into majority Malaysian ownership. In a statement, the telecommunications provider said Mawar Setia Sdn Bhd now holds over 50% stake in the company after completing a share purchase