PUTRAJAYA: The government’s work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants has saved 2.14 million litres of fuel and avoided RM4.2mil in subsidy expenditure since April 17.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the savings showed that the policy not only provided flexibility for civil servants but also helped reduce the government’s financial burden through lower subsidised fuel consumption.
“The initiative currently involves 357,000 civil servants nationwide and carries real fiscal value beyond the convenience they offer employees.
"The government will ensure that spending for the people remains a priority," he said.
This was conveyed during the ERAT (Encouraging, Responsibility, Accountability and Trustworthiness) Appreciation Ceremony organised by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) at Dewan Damar Sari, Putrajaya, on Monday (May 25) night.
Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar added that the savings came at a critical juncture as the government continued to face mounting pressure from rising global fuel subsidy costs.
He noted that government spending on petrol and diesel subsidies had surged significantly from RM700mil a month previously to an average of RM5bil per month between April and May 2024, marking an increase of more than seven times.
“This reflects the fiscal challenges we are currently managing, and every effort that contributes to easing the burden is important,” he said.
He also cited Malaysia's improved standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), noting that the country rose to 54th place with a score of 50 last year.
"This is our best performance in six years. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Integrity issues must remain a standing agenda item in every ministry and agency's monthly management meetings," he said.
Meanwhile, EAIC chairman Tan Sri Ismail Bakar also said the commission welcomed the government’s move to establish the Malaysian Ombudsman, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen oversight and improve public service delivery.
He said EAIC’s experience in overseeing 21 enforcement agencies under Act 700 would provide a strong foundation for the future Ombudsman institution.
Since 2022, EAIC has been implementing its ERAT programme nationwide to promote responsibility, accountability and trustworthiness among enforcement personnel and the public, he added.
The ceremony also recognised 21 enforcement agencies under EAIC supervision for their close cooperation and high level of professionalism throughout the investigation and inspection processes.
It also acknowledged the significant role played by 13 media organisations, including The Star, in expanding coverage and raising public awareness on efforts to strengthen national integrity.
