The cabinet has directed the postponement of the move to reduce traffic fines, following the surprise announcement by police on Monday that the penalty for violations could drop by as much as RM200 per summons.

Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy, who had criticised the police for announcing the move before consulting his ministry, said today that he would meet representatives of the police, Road Transport and Road Safety departments and internal security ministry.

The Star Online quoted Chan as saying the cabinet has directed him to chair an inter-agency meeting to discuss the decision.

"The cabinet feels that the compound fine must act as a kind of deterrent, and not a source of revenue for the government. We feel there is a need to convey the right message on road safety to these offenders," he said.

"The cabinet also feels there should be more co-ordination among the different enforcement agencies on this matter. (The meeting) will also address issues such as the streamlining of traffic fines imposed by the different enforcement agencies."

Unilateral action

Chan had yesterday stated that he was not happy with the unilateral decision to slash fines and that his ministry was not consulted.

"They may have their own reason for making the decision and I want to know the whole story," he told reporters in Parliament House yesterday.

On Monday, Internal Security and Public Order Director Commissioner Mustafa Abdullah had announced that reductions of between 50 and 70 percent would be given to encourage offenders to pay up and prevent attempts at bribing police.

He also said the police have the right to reduce the rates without prior consultations with any other agency.