Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on December 30 announced new measures to curb public spending, including a cut in the entertainment allowance for senior government officials.

Telephone allowance for the government’s senior officials will be decreased by 30 USD or 30 percent.

Some civil servants will only be allowed to travel economy class on domestic flights, while electricity utility cost at all government offices will be reduced by 5 percent.

Another measure to be taken is to cut back in the use of event management companies and the awarding of door gifts or souvenirs during government conferences or events.

The latest measures, which will be applied from January 1, 214, also include tightening the appointment of consultants for government projects, including the conducting of feasibility studies.

The measures are in line with the government’s intention to practise more prudent spending next year, PM Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said.

Malaysia aims to lower its budget deficit next year to 3.5 percent from 4 percent in 2013, according to the government’s annual economic report released in October.-VNA