Kuala Lumpur - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual/conservative. - May 2022
Business casual. - Aug 2018
The embassy is business casual, and for formal government meetings, business dress is required. Formal or business dress would be required at diplomatic receptions. In public places, Malaysians and expats are very casual (shorts, tees, sundresses). Think summer in DC or NY. While it is a Muslim majority country, no one expects women to cover up. Some restaurants and bars have dress codes so you'll have to have some smart cocktail wear and nice shoes. If you're visiting religious sites (temples, shrines, mosques) you should wear long, loose pants and cover your shoulders. - May 2018
This is a Muslim country so expats are expected to dress modestly. Shorts are fine, just not too short. - Apr 2017
It depends on your place of employment. Most places seem to be business casual to business. There are sometimes events at either the schools such as International School of Kuala Lumpur, or events related to diplomatic missions that require formal dress. Out and about, you will notice that most Malaysian Muslim women are covered, but wear colorful clothes and headscarfs rather than wearing a full burqa, although you do also see this from time to time. As the country also has Chinese and Indian citizens, you will see the same kinds of fashion here that you do anywhere else in the world. There are US/British/European/Japanese/Australian stores from very high end to high street in the malls here. - Apr 2017
Business casual to business for work - May 2016
Only one word. Decent. - Aug 2013
Dependent on whether your interactions will be with the government or with top industry representatives. Though Batik is tolerated, shirt and tie, and dresses versus pants suits, are the norm. - Aug 2011
Business formal/business casual. - Mar 2011
Fairly casual, often women bring a sweater as AC can get cold. - May 2009
Smart casual is the norm for social events, meaning Batik shirts or suits with no tie. Work is typically dress shirts, slacks, and ties but no jacket. - Mar 2009
Business casual. Men can wear a silk batik long-sleeve shirt rather than a suit. - Jul 2008
Usual business dress. Men can get away with wearing a fancy batik shirt to work in some places but most in the Embassy wear a suit. - May 2008
