The Ministry of Health will be among those affected by the upcoming budget cut, said Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam.

He told a press conference at Batu Caves today that while the matter is the prerogative of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, early indications are that the ministry will not be spared.

He said the Ministry of Finance has been advised on what areas his ministry can afford to cut its expenditure, and what areas it can't.

“We are not spared. I don't know; I'll have to wait for him (Najib) to announce, but early indications are that we will be affected like any other ministry in the country […]

“Basic health services shouldn't be affected by any cuts, but on areas that do not touch on that, we will cut down as much as we can,” he said.

Najib is expected to introduce austerity measures during a budget revision exercise to be announced on Jan 28, as plunging global oil prices makes it mark on Malaysia's revenue.