Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has suggested that in the 2018 Budget, focus be given to reducing the cost of hiring domestic maids.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said this measure was important to reduce the burden of those needing domestic help.

"Hopefully, the new procedures and rules made by the Home Ministry could lessen the burden of the people including civil servants, especially those with many children and requiring domestic help," he said at a press conference after the ministry's monthly assembly, here, today.

Ahmad Zahid also hoped that the 2018 Budget would give priority to modern policing, especially through increasing suitable assets to meet the current need in efforts to combat cyber crime and online gambling.

He said the welfare of officers and staff of the departments and agencies under the Home Ministry as well as the police quarters also needed to be improved.

"We want the related issues and operational expenditure of the ministry and its agencies and departments to be better redressed too," he added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Finance Minister, will table the 2018 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat this Friday.

Earlier at the assembly, Ahmad Zahid called on the Home Ministry's officers and staff to uphold the integrity and image of their respective organisations.

"As law enforcers, if we sacrifice our integrity by compromising and colluding with criminals, our integrity will be destroyed because 'one drop of indigo'could tarnish the image of the whole organisation.

"And let not anyone among us feel mistreated if action is taken against us," he said.

-- BERNAMA