THE government had to pay RM 286.38 million to highway concessionaires when it deferred then hike in road toll this year, the Dewan Negara was told yesterday.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said the amount paid to the five companies  were based on the terms of their respective concession agreements.

In Replay to a question from Senator, Muhamad Yusof Husin, he s said steps taken by the government to deal with the issue of future toll increases included looking for long terms solutions.

To a question from Senator Heng Seai Kie, he said the terms in the concession agreements allowing the imposition of toll were given the green light by cabinet in 1980s

The policy  was intended to encourage the private sector to play its role in the privatization of government projects.