(bikyamasr) - Malaysians are angered at the budget spent by the government during Prime Minister Najib Razak’s trips to the UK and the US. “I think we could have used that money for something better,” said activist Jumana Nasri, “and while I know it costs money for officials to travel, the number given seems way too much considering.”

Other Malaysians also echoed similar sentiments to Bikyamasr.com on Friday.

According to the government, some RM2.9 million was spent on the trips in May.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said RM849,175 was spent on Najib’s visit to London from May 13 to 15 and RM1.6 million on his visit to the US from May 15 to 18.

The prime minister visited London to attend a reception hosted by the Prince of Wales in an event to celebrate the granting of the Royal Charter to the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, said Abdul Aziz in a statement published by local media on Friday.

He said the prime minister made a working visit to New York to attend the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council meeting.

He said RM452,985.74 was incurred by officials who accompanied the prime minister during his personal visit to Washington from May 19 to 24 after his working visit.

“The government financed only the expenses incurred by government officials who accompanied the prime minister during his personal visit,” he said.