IPOH: Local authorities have been directed to switch off lights and air-conditioners during lunch hour to save cost.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who disclosed this yesterday, said the directive was made by the Chief Secretary to the Government.


»The MCA will forever be relevant to the people. Don’t listen to naysayers« DATUK SERI ONG KA CHUAN
“Local councils have also been told to postpone or cut down on beautification projects which do not benefit the people,” he said, adding that streetlamps should only be lit between certain hours.

Speaking after a working visit to Sungkai, Ong assured the people that projects such as flood mitigation works would continue.

“Hopefully through cost-cutting measures, we can brave the difficult period together,” he said.

He added that there would also be no foreign trips for ministry officers.

On another matter, Ong said the ministry was looking into the feasibility of a further reduction in stamp duty before proposing it to the Cabinet.

In the last Budget, he said, stamp duty was cut by 50% for houses below RM250,000.

“It still depends on the Government’s financial status as funds are still needed,” he told reporters yesterday.

Earlier in his speech to Sungkai MCA branch members, Ong, who is the party secretary-general, urged members not to give up hope although the party performed badly in the recent general election.

“The MCA will forever be relevant to the people. Do not listen to the naysayers,” he advised.

Ong also announced a RM60,000 allocation for Sungkai New Village and SJK(C) Khai Meng.