In what is perceived as an attempt to appease public anger over the recent fuel hike, Works Minister S Samy Vellu assured today that the government would not allow any highway toll increase this year.

He said the ministry also did not face any pressure from the highway toll concessionaires to increase the rates.

"There's no pressure. No one can pressure the Works Ministry, It's (ministry) pressure-proof," Bernama quoted him as saying after the minister opened the International Conference and Exhibition on Tunnelling and Trenchless Technology in the 21st Century in Petaling Jaya.

He, however, declined to comment when asked whether there would be any toll hike next year.

Only this year

"We are talking about this year, why talk about other years," he said, to the amusement of the media present.

This assurance from the government is expected to ease the anxiety of tolled highway users following the 30 sen per litre increase in the petrol and diesel price last week.

The fuel hike has caused the government to come under fire from all quarters, including from within its ranks.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi conceded that it was an unpopular decision but insisted that it has to be made.