Kuala lumpur: The government's move to streamline operational expenditure across ministries and agencies following challenges arising from the global supply crisis has so far achieved about 50 per cent of its targeted savings. Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, informed the Cabinet that the measure had yielded positive results without affecting service delivery or the implementation of ministry programmes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, despite the expenditure adjustments, the welfare of the people would continue to remain a priority. Fahmi added that priority would also continue to be given to strengthening frontline services, particularly in the health, security, and education sectors. He made these remarks at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting press conference at Angkasapuri.

Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the organisation of the Youth Day and Teachers' Day celebrations, as well as various official government events, in a more modest manner. He stated that this approach did not compromise the objectives or content of the programmes.

Fahmi highlighted that the approach of moderation is important in ensuring government spending remains prudent and focused, aligning with efforts to prioritise the welfare of the people and addressing the country's current needs. On April 29, he announced that the government would implement adjustments to the operational expenditure of ministries and agencies due to ongoing challenges related to the global supply crisis.

He further elaborated that the prime minister had directed all official events, workshops, and large-scale programmes involving ministries, agencies, statutory bodies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to be conducted moderately as part of cost-saving measures.