KOTA BARU (Bernama): The Kelantan government has made it compulsory for its 5,000 male civil servants to wear songkok to work every Thursday, effective immediately.

The directive was issued by the Kelantan State Secretary on Dec 19, signed by Deputy State Secretary Datuk Tengku Azmi Tengku Jaafar.

According to Tengku Azmi, the decision was made by the state government during its executive councillors meeting on Nov 6.

The directive affects those working at the administration office at Darulnaim Complex and local government offices, he said when contacted here Wednesday (Dec 25).

"They have to wear black songkok every Thursday during office hours," he said, adding that the move was in line with efforts to promote the state's Islamic image. - Bernama