26 October 2007

PUTRAJAYA: A working paper on toll increase based on the agreement by eight concessionaires will be submitted to the Cabinet. 

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the ministry must send a report to the Cabinet 60 days prior to the agreement taking effect on Jan 1.

“It is up to the Cabinet to make a final decision. If the Cabinet says no (to the increase), then no,” he said, adding that nothing had been discussed yet. 

Samy Vellu said the working paper would be given to to all ministries concerned for comments. 

He was speaking to reporters after opening the Global Business Convention for the Network of International Sikh Entrepreneurship yesterday. 

Early this month, Samy Vellu said Malaysians could expect a 10% increase in toll rates, with eight concessionaires raising their charges from Jan 1.  

However, he said his ministry was trying to work out a “win-win” situation for the concessionaires and the public, adding that should the Cabinet disapprove of the increase, the present rate would apply. 

On another matter, Samy Vellu said the MIC would not hold a Deepavali open house this year as his family was mourning the death of his younger brother. 

“According to the Hindu tradition, we have to mourn for a year and so I will not be celebrating Deepavali this year,” he said. 

Datuk S. Palani Vellu, a 68-year-old lawyer, died of a heart attack in May.