Dispute over early closing hours

Petrol stations which close without valid reason and permission from the controller of supply can be charged under Malaysias Control of Supply Act 1961. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said that under the special provision for retailers of all petrol or fuel grades, the license holders were not allowed to take any action without first referring to the government. Shafie was reacting to a decision by the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) for its members nationwide to operate their petrol stations for only 15 hours a day, from 7am until 10pm. However, the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) and the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) opposed the move as it would create problems for consumers and adversely affect the country’s economic growth. Shafie did not dispute the suitability of implementing such a move in certain areas where there are not many vehicles and where the safety of the retail outlet workers is at risk. (August 2, 2007)