In a statement, Mutharika ordered the treasury to cut down his salary and the wages of his ministers and deputy ministers by 10% for three months.
According to Mutharika, the money saved would be directed towards the fight against the novel corona-virus.
“Government will take measures to protect jobs and incomes, protect businesses and ensure continuity of the supply chain and the survival of the economy,” he said in a statement.
He also announced the opening of new testing centers for COVID-19 and the recruitment by the health ministry of 2,000 extra staff.
“We need more soldiers and human power in this fight,” he said.
Malawi’s president declared a state of emergency on March 23 to combat the virus, closing schools until further notice.
