TAIPEI - Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou will move back to his private apartment and set up an office in Taipei after stepping down on Friday (May 20), Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

Mr Ma, known for his frugal lifestyle, has been packing up his things and sending the boxes back to his decades-old flat in Taipei's Wenshan district, officials said according to the report on Monday (May 16).

He will hand over the presidential residence in central Taipei he and his wife have lived in for the past eight years to Ms Tsai Ing-wen, who will be sworn in as the new president May 20.

Ma, 65, will be assigned eight to 12 security officers for his protection after he returns to civilian life, CNA added.

Under the Act of Courtesy for Former Presidents and Vice Presidents, Mr Ma will receive a monthly allowance of NT$250,000 (S$10,485) for eight years - the length of his stay in office, the report said.

He will also be paid NT$8 million in the first year to cover the costs of his office and engagements.The payment will be cut progressively before ceasing after the eighth year.