Informal or practical? Malaysia makes neckties optional in schools
Malaysia’s Education Ministry has made the wearing of school neckties optional starting this year, a policy shift that has prompted debate among educators over discipline, student welfare and the relevance of long-standing uniform standards.
The directive, which took effect immediately, followed a review of students’ current needs and cited the country’s hot and humid climate, as well as rising household costs.
In Johor, where many schools have traditionally required neckties and built distinctive identities around them, the change has drawn criticism from some education groups.
Mohd Ridhwan Othman, chairman of the Malaysian Education Concorde Organisation (Me’Didik), said neckties play a role in cultivating discipline and pride in personal appearance.
“A necktie can help cultivate self-discipline and instill good character in students. Wearing a tie teaches children to take care of their personal appearance, as they carry the image of their school,” he said.
Ridhwan also raised concerns about the timing of the circular, noting that some schools had already purchased ties in bulk ahead of the new academic year.
In Johor, he said, students typically wear formal uniforms — including ties — only on Mondays, with sports or co-curricular attire on other days.
Others welcomed the move as a practical adjustment to classroom conditions. Vincent D’Silva, president of the Johor English Language Teaching Association, said discipline should not be conflated with uniform accessories.
“Discipline is shaped by values, teaching and example – not by a strip of fabric around the neck,” he said. “In a tropical climate, comfort matters, and learning should never be made harder by unnecessary discomfort.”
Many elements of school formality, including neckties, were adopted from education systems in temperate countries, where climate and infrastructure differ markedly from those in the Global South.
D’Silva said the ministry’s decision refines rather than weakens the uniform system, maintaining school identity while removing an item with limited educational value.
Under the circular dated December 17, schools may still allow neckties if there is mutual agreement with parents, but no student may be compelled or pressured to wear one.
The policy was approved at the Education Ministry Professional Council’s Special 2025 meeting on December 8.
Signed by Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, the directive leaves schools to determine whether discipline is best reinforced through dress codes — or through teaching and example.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
