Government ministers in Madagascar are to receive ten-fold pay increases in what the new president says is a move to curb corruption.

President Marc Ravalomanana, who has just won a violent power struggle on the island, said that if officials were paid properly, they would not need to abuse positions.

We will begin with the ministers and move on bit by bit

Marc Ravalomanana

He said that from next month, government ministers would be paid about $3,500 a month. Senior civil servants' wages will be increased later.

The BBC's Alastair Leithead, in Antananarivo, says Mr Ravalomanana's move is potentially an unpopular one as he risks appearing to be looking after his supporters.

However, he still has huge support across the island.

Correspondents say corruption was a serious problem under the former presidency of Didier Ratsiraka.

He fled to Paris earlier this month after failing to retain power in the disputed presidential election.

Mr Ravalomanana made the announcement while opening a fair in the north-east town of Antanmbe, near the port of Toamasina.

He said salaries for all civil servants would be reviewed gradually.

"We will begin with the ministers and move on bit by bit," he said.

Widespread corruption

He said that, in return, ministers would have to be "more rigorous in their work".

Mr Ratsiraka is blamed for widespread corruption during more than two decades in power.

Ministers made up their low salaries with gifts from businesses and individuals.

A six-month battle for full control of Madagascar erupted after Mr Ratsiraka refused to accept a court ruling that he had lost a presidential election in December.

Several of Mr Ratsiraka's former ministers have been arrested and now face charges relating to the six-month crisis on the Indian Ocean island.

Mr Ravalomanana, a self-made millionaire businessman, has pledged to eradicate poverty in Madagascar.