Malaysian government to slash public expenditure

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has announced 11 measures to slash public sector expenditure beginning Jan 1, authorities said.

These measures are in accordance with the government's desire to practise more prudent spending in the new year, Xinhua quoted from a statement by the prime minister issued here Monday.

Among the measures, Najib said the government would reduce the entertainment allowance of senior government officials.

The government would also reduce by 5 percent the electricity utility cost at all ministries, departments, agencies and government premises, he said.

Najib said the government would tighten the appointment of consultants for government projects, including the conducting of studies.