The first phase of the study on the restructuring of toll rates has been completed and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) is now in various stages of deliberation with government agencies and toll concessionaires.

nor mohamed yakcop Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the government was looking into how best to implement the process without burdening the low-income group.

"The government's objective is to minimise subsidy, which is a huge amount, but at the same time we also want to ensure the move will not burden the low-income group," he told reporters after attending a meet-the-people session in Butterworth today.

Nor Mohamed said the government needed to look into many aspects before making a decision as it would affect various parties including the government, consumers and concessionaires.

"The concessionaires comprise various categories, whether they are operating in urban or rural areas or whether they are making a profit. At the same time, we should also consider the views of the people," he said.

In April last year, the government instructed the EPU to carry out the study to find a comprehensive solution for the toll hikes which needed to be implemented every three years.

- Bernama