While acknowledging that this would affect the cash flow of these companies, Nanta said it was necessary to lighten the burden borne by the people, especially highway users from the lower-income group, Bernama reported.

“In terms of the business model, they do not like it (delay in increase).

“We understand. This would undoubtedly disrupt their cash flow but I hope they understand why the government made this decision to ease the burden of road users, especially those in the B40 group,” he was quoted as saying.

The minister thanked the concessionaires for cooperating with Putrajaya’s decision to help Malaysians.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government had decided to postpone the increase in toll rates for 10 highways, including the KL-Putrajaya Expressway (MEX), East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) and South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE).

He said the government would bear over RM500 million in costs to maintain the current toll rates.