The change in the voltage of power supply in new regions and for new subscribers would start with the implementation of the decision, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said.
"With regard to subscribers in existing regions, the decision will be implemented in 25 years and in two phases: 10-year preparatory phase and 15-year executive phase," the minister said.
The Saudi Electricity Company would meet the cost of changing the power distribution voltage for subscribers in the existing regions, Khoja said.
The Cabinet did not specify the percentage of increase in salaries of military officers but it pointed out that it would be based on the attached salary scale. The salary hike covers those from the rank of soldier to head of sergeants and from lieutenant to major general.
Addressing the Cabinet meeting in Al-Salam Palace, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah urged government departments to intensify their efforts in the service of pilgrims who have come from different parts of the world to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan.
Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif briefed the council on the outcome of a meeting of regional governors in Makkah on Sunday. The meeting decided to make greater efforts to enhance the welfare of citizens and strengthen the country's security.
The Cabinet denounced the continuing Israeli atrocities against the Palestinians and its violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, adding that such activities would affect peace negotiations. It also condemned terrorist attacks in Iraq and Somalia.
The meeting heard a report from Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf on a meeting of the International Monetary Fund's executive council. The IMF council has praised the Kingdom's financial and monetary policies, which enabled the country to withstand the recent global economic crisis.
The international body also praised the strength of the Kingdom's banking system and efforts of public lending agencies to provide credit to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The IMF also supported the Saudi riyal's exchange rate policy and commended the progress achieved by the Kingdom in fighting money laundering and terror funding.
The meeting authorized the president of King Abdullah City for Nuclear and Renewable Energy to sign the basic law of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It agreed to sign agreement with the Czech Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion.
The Cabinet allowed the Ministry of Culture and Information to license private agencies to collect, print and publish various laws in accordance with certain rules and regulations to be set by the ministry.
Meanwhile, King Abdullah met with the governors and wished every success for their meeting. The newly appointed Baha Gov. Prince Mishari bin Saud took his oath of office in front of the king.
