Malaysia's Transport Minister has blasted the country's police for reducing traffic fines by up to 70 percent in a bid to encourage Malaysians to pay up and reduce police bribes.

An irate Chan Kong Choy said yesterday he had not been consulted about the changes, and had only found out about them through Malaysian media reports.

"This issue is a huge decision and it should have been referred to the ministry responsible for road and traffic safety," Chan was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.

Police on Monday slashed fines for a number of traffic offences, a move which officials said would discourage Malaysians from bribing police to escape high fines, according to reports.

Help struggling drivers

A survey of Malaysians in 2005 showed two-thirds of bribes paid involved the police, mostly for traffic violations.

Officials said the move would also help drivers who are struggling with the high cost of living as fuel prices soar.

Fines for serious offences such as fatal accidents, drunk or dangerous driving and illegal racing, however, remain unchanged.

But Chan said the move would send a "wrong signal" to road users by projecting a lenient attitude from the government, and that police would have to explain their actions.

"They may have their own reasons to do this and I want to know the whole picture," he said.