Global Energy Crisis: Negeri Sembilan Implements Cost-saving Measures

SEREMBAN, April 15 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan is implementing several cost-saving measures in response to the global energy crisis stemming from the West Asia conflict.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the measures include reducing the use of government vehicles, limiting outstation travel and controlling energy consumption in government offices.

He said all departments have been instructed to exercise prudent spending and to review planned programmes to reduce implementation costs.

“Physical meetings are also limited to Seremban only, while departments from other districts are encouraged to use online methods to save on travel costs and petrol. The implementation of working from home (WFH) is also seen as helping to cut costs.

“Overseas travel will be restricted to those that have a significant impact on the state, as we still need to attract investors. We cannot halt all activities and this will be monitored by the State Secretary and government-linked companies (GLCs),” he told a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting here today.

In another development, Aminuddin said the state government remains committed to implementing the policy requiring at least 50 per cent of every approved housing project to comprise affordable housing.

He said that of the total, 20 per cent is allocated for Type A affordable housing priced at RM110,000, while 15 per cent is for Type B priced at RM250,000, with the remainder comprising Type C units priced at not more than RM450,000.

“To date, almost 11,000 units of Type A affordable housing have been approved, but only about 3,000 units have been completed and will be handed over in stages,” he said.

Aminuddin said that although house prices are determined by the current cost of building materials and infrastructure, the state government would continue to ensure that affordable housing prices remain lower than in other states.

--BERNAMA