Malaysia's Rural and Regional Development Ministry said on May 4 it had saved at least RM250 million through expenditure cuts and will pass the money to the Ministry of Finance to help fund fuel subsidies for the public. [1]
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the savings came from scaling back promotional events and low-impact programmes, while the ministry gave priority to infrastructure, water supply, electricity and rural amenities. [1]
The Ministry of Finance issued a circular requiring all ministries to carry out cost-saving measures, and the rural ministry said it responded by tightening spending across its programmes. [1]
Ahmad Zahid also urged the adoption of a National Rural Economy mindset focused on raising rural incomes and expanding economic opportunities. He said, "We must be bold in seizing new potential within the rural ecosystem. This is the foundation of the National Rural Economy, a comprehensive approach to transform rural areas from supporting zones into a new engine of national growth." [1]
The announcement came during the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's monthly assembly on May 4. [1]