According to a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, all civil servants must now dress in a manner considered neat, modest, and professional. The state government says the move aims to curb what it calls a growing trend of improper dressing in the public sector.

The new dress code requires male officers on senior grade levels to wear full suits, while junior officers are to wear shirts and trousers, with ties. Traditional attire is only permitted on Fridays or special occasions, and “Resource Control” and “Papas” caps are now banned. Bushy beards are also explicitly prohibited.

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For female public servants, trousers must be worn only as part of a suit, while skirts and gowns must fall below the knee and include sleeves. Sleeveless and low-cut tops are banned. Traditional outfits are allowed on Fridays, provided they are modest and include proper sleeves. Braided or dyed hair, artificial eyelashes, and fake nails are no longer permitted in the workplace.

The circular emphasized that senior officers must lead by example and ensure compliance. Heads of departments have been instructed to send home any staff found violating the dress code, with the possibility of further disciplinary action.

The directive, which revises a previous dress code, is part of broader efforts to promote discipline and professionalism within the state’s civil service.

Source: TheSun