M’sians Are Unhappy Over Govt’s Decision to Lift Economy Class Flights Ruling For Civil Servants

Back in July, it was announced that as part of new austerity measures to optimise government spending, new restrictions will be imposed on allowances for civil servants and recruitment for government positions which included being only able to travel on economy class on flights.

Recently, this restriction on civil servants was retracted much to the dismay of ordinary Malaysians.

In a circular which was dated October 3, it was stated that the government has now lifted the amended ruling of ‘economy class only irrespective of grade’ air travel for civil servants.

This means civil servants are now be entitled to travel via business class based on eligibility, as per the Treasury Circular 2.5 on Official Air Travel Facilities.

Do we suddenly have so much money to waste?

The news was met negatively by Malaysians who criticised the move as being unneeded and unnecessary.

“Measure that was introduced as cost cutting is revoked. So (are) we suddenly flushed with cash?”

A user commented, “The government said that there will be an economic recession next year. But today they made this decision. If one ticket costs around RM5,000 to RM15,000 and if 100 people use it, that could mean up to RM1.5 million wasted.”

Meanwhile, some users said that it’s merely a tactic implemented because of the upcoming elections. They claimed that the government has revoked the restriction to gain the votes of those in the civil service in GE15.

What do you think of the revocation of the restriction? Is it necessary?

Also read: JUST IN: Ismail Sabri Announces Pay Hike, Allowance & Other Benefits For Civil Servants