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THE Ministry of Finance (MOF) has reaffirmed that its latest spending adjustments are confined to non-essential areas and will not disrupt core public services or frontline operations amid scrutiny over fiscal tightening.
“Any adjustments do not affect frontliners, including essential health services. Expenditure for these services will continue as approved under Budget 2026,” the ministry affirmed in a statement on Thursday.
The ministry added the measures are designed to preserve the integrity of key sectors such as healthcare, education and security, with allocations for these services maintained in line with the national budget.
Major portfolios including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education will continue to receive full funding as among the largest beneficiaries of government expenditure this year.
Instead, the adjustments focus on administrative and non-critical spending, including postponement of events, tighter controls on overseas travel and training, reduced utility consumption, optimisation of agency reserves and delays in filling non-essential posts.
The ministry said the recalibration reflects disciplined fiscal management aimed at creating room for targeted assistance and subsidies, particularly for vulnerable groups and sectors impacted by the ongoing global supply crisis.
It added that efforts to enhance spending efficiency will continue in a structured and proactive manner, as the government prepares for sustained external economic pressures.
At the same time, the ministry emphasised a balanced approach to crisis management, ensuring that essential services remain fully funded while economic support measures are sustained and the nation’s fiscal position remains resilient. - April 30, 2026