KUALA LUMPUR: The government has lifted the amended ruling of ‘economy class only irrespective of grade’ air travel for civil servants.
A circular dated Oct 3, stated that the Cabinet Meeting on Sept 30 agreed to grant an exception to the amendment made on July 14 which was made as a cost cutting measure.
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.
Earlier this year, restrictions were imposed by the government as part of the new austerity measures to optimise government spending.
Treasury secretary-general Datuk Seri Asri Hamidon in a circular on July 14 addressed to heads of ministries and departments listed out guidelines on expenditure and the financial conduct of government agencies to optimise spending.
It mentioned that officers will be allowed to purchase the cheapest economy class flight tickets available, instead of the current requirements under the air travel allowances for civil servants.
Similarly, all civil servants regardless of grade, can only fly economy class for such purposes.
Other conditions for overseas travel include limiting the number of participants to foreign summits, with the officers attending the trips allowed to book accommodation based on the most affordable prices.
Source: New Straits Times
