Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said these official trips were for ministers to attend periodical scheduled meetings involving Malaysia’s membership in international organisations, including the United Nations.

Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan made the most trips with 39, followed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (19), investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz (18) and tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing (15).

“The expenditure on ministers’ overseas trips always complies with procedures that are in force,” she said in a written parliamentary reply.

Zaliha added that the government also sought to ensure it spent its resources on these trips “prudently and effectively”.

“Every trip is thoroughly planned to provide maximum value,” she said.