KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 -- The clatter of plates is softer, queues have disappeared, and rows of tables sit empty as stall owners wait behind counters, food laid out but with few customers in sight.

Usually, stall owners say the medan selera or food courts near the Jalan Duta government complex are bustling during breakfast and lunchtime.

Since the work-from-home directive for civil servants began - introduced to conserve energy amid shifts linked to the Middle East conflict - the change has been immediate for food stall owners.

The directive, which took effect on April 15, is being observed on a staggered basis - typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - reducing the number of workers physically present at offices.

Siti Kul...