The government turned down pay rise demands from hundreds of thousands of poorly paid civil servants, saying it could not afford the extra billions of ringgit the move would cost.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the hikes requested for "support category" civil servants and police would lead to a salary revision for all public sector employees and cost six billion ringgit.

"At present, I can't say we are ready to cough up such a big sum. The government's financial capability must be taken into consideration," Abdullah was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.

"This is because the government has also to spend a huge sum on development for the people," he said.

Salaries not reviewed in 16 years

Labour unions reportedly said earlier in the week they were demanding pay hikes for some 200,000 "support category" civil servants, whose salaries have not been reviewed in 16 years.

The category comprises hospital attendants, gardeners, drivers and clerical and administrative staff, who receive basic pay of RM480 monthly, according to reports.

The head of the police force has also called for a rise in the basic salary of lower-ranking police personnel.

The government defines hardcore poor as those in households earning less than 250 ringgit a month. Some 1.4 percent of Malaysia's 26.6 million population fall into this category.