The cabinet has discussed the possibility of increasing the toll rates for 16 highways nationwide, said a source.

A majority of the ministers who attended today's cabinet meeting appeared to be in favour of the hike with only a handful objecting, the source told Malaysiakini .

However, it wasn't immediately known if the cabinet arrived at any decision.

The Star today reported the government's move to increase the toll rates which would affect 16 to 19 highways.

It is unclear if the hike would be implemented in stages or all in one go.

Berita Harian , meanwhile, reported that 16 highway concessionaires nationwide may increase their rates by between 20 sen  and RM1 from August onwards.

Citing a likely scenario for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, it said the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) may see an increase of 50 sen, from RM1.60 to RM2.10.

Besraya Highway, which currently charges RM1.30 could see an increase of 70 sen to RM 2 while rates for both the Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway(Duke) and the KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar) may be increased by 50 sen to RM2.50.

Postponed last year

The New Pantai Highway (NPE), said the daily, could see motorists paying 60 sen more to a new rate of RM2.20.

Berita Harian also reported Works Minister Fadillah Yusof as saying the cabinet has yet to decide on the matter.

Following public pressure, the government last year had postponed toll hikes for 20 highways forcing it to pay compensation to their concessionaires amounting to RM 558.69 million.

Not denying that today's cabinet meeting discussed a highway toll rate hike, Fadillah - in a text message to Malaysiakini - said that he will issue a statement on the matter later.