Malaysian raises dealer commission for petrol sales

The Malaysian government has announced an increase in the commission for some 3,500 petrol and diesel dealers. Effective June 25, the new commission rate for petrol is 12.19 sen (US$3.79 ) per liter and seven sen (US$0.22) per liter for diesel, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said. Petroleum Dealers Association President Abdul Wahid Bidin described the new commission rates as acceptable. Petrol stations, with the exception of those located along highways, will operate from 6 am to midnight effective July 1. The number of workers allowed in the forecourt areas will also be limited to one for stations with four islands or less, two for stations with five to six islands and three for stations with more than seven islands. He also said that petrol dealers who prefer to remain open round-the-clock may do so by applying for permission at state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs offices. He added that giving operators a choice on whether they want to stay open around-the-clock was a good idea, as it meant those who chose to do so couldn’t complain they were not making a profit. (June 26, 2008)