Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said the cuts announced could delay filling up some key positions, especially agencies dealing directly with the public.

“Cuepacs will not tolerate it if the savings or cuts involve key services which can undermine the public service delivery system.

“However, we feel some of the other measures are appropriate and ought to be heeded by civil servants and heads of departments to ensure goals are met,” he said.

Adnan also hoped the cuts would not affect the implementation of initiatives announced in Budget 2022, such as leave days replacement.

Under this scheme, which is yet to be implemented, those who have 80 days of unclaimed leave can apply to be compensated with cash.

On Thursday, the treasury issued a directive announcing several cost-cutting measures for civil servants at all levels to tighten government expenditure.

It cited the pressure of global inflation and the rising cost of goods as the reason for the move.

Among the cutbacks include a limit on the number of officers allowed to travel abroad with ministers, deputy ministers, and senior government officials.