Supply Minister Khaled Hanafy has ordered all heads of departments and general managers to start work at 7am from now on, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported on Friday.

The instructions come after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed the importance of hard work to improve the country's dire economic and social situation.

In his election victory speech, El-Sisi said: "Now is the time for work. I am looking forward to your efforts and determination in the upcoming stage."