By Liew Chin Tong
The global energy crisis triggered by West Asia tensions, following US-Israeli attacks on Iran that forced closure of the Strait of Hormuz, will have lasting impacts on the world’s energy landscape, despite the current two-week ceasefire.
Malaysia is taking various measures to address this crisis. One effort that strengthens national identity is encouraging wider adoption of batik among civil servants and the public.
Encouragement to wear batik in offices
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof announced that civil servants are encouraged to wear batik, or at least corporate shirts, for comfort when air-conditioner temperatures in government offices are raised to 24℃ or 25℃.
Former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once demanded lower air-conditioner temperatures in government offices, believing cooler climates drove Western progress. No scientific evidence supports this assumption.
Western suits unsuited to hot climate
Past generations of government and business leaders viewed suits and neckties as symbols of decorum, discipline, and status, even though Western formal wear is unsuitable for Malaysia’s hot climate.
To counter discomfort, buildings installed air-conditioners at very low temperatures, making office environments freezing cold.
Today, Singapore’s Parliament and civil service dress codes are less formal. In Indonesia, batik equals Western formal wear, while many Western offices no longer require suits and ties.
Evolution of Malaysia’s formal attire
For over a century, Asian societies have promoted national attire without ties as a rejection of Western symbols: Nehru jackets in India, Mao suits in China, Barong in the Philippines, and post-1979 Iranian Revolution changes.
Malaysia’s journey has been slower. On 5 December 2022, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Cabinet posed for their official portrait in suits without ties.
Neckties no longer mandatory
In February 2023, Dewan Rakyat Speaker made neckties optional for MPs during sittings, following the Prime Minister’s example. By October 2025, civil servants were no longer required to wear ties at work or meetings.
Malaysia Batik Day began on 3 December 2021, encouraging civil servants to wear long-sleeved batik every Thursday. Since August 2023, Thursday batik is compulsory, with encouragement for other days.
Supporting local batik industry
National Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad explained the government is implementing a 2014 circular setting government office temperatures at 24℃ or 25℃.
Recently, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and I visited Batik Lestari Gallery on the ground floor of Securities Commission Malaysia. This initiative supports local batik makers and elevates batik in line with sustainability and heritage goals.
The energy crisis will not end soon. Long-term adaptation is needed. Wearing batik allows higher air-conditioner settings for energy savings, supporting climate sustainability and energy demand management.
The ultimate goal is building Malaysia’s energy resilience. Batik is not only beautiful and elegant but also helps protect climate and environment.
Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Finance, MP for Iskandar Puteri, DAP Strategic Director
