'Extend operation hours for petrol stations too'

 

The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) urged the government to extend the operation hours for petrol stations. - NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) urged the government to extend the operation hours for petrol stations.

PDAM president, Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said having petrol stations start at 8am is not ideal.

"Petrol stations have to remain open until the last shop, office or restaurants close because we, too, are doing our part in supporting the economy.

"Operation hours for our convenience shops should also begin from 6am as well.

"It is only ideal to start operating at this hour as people will want to go to the automated teller machine, or reload their Touch N' Go cards on their way to work.

"Having our doors open by 8am is just not ideal, especially when some stations have their cashier counter placed inside the shop, without the pigeon hole window for payment," he said in a statement today.

Petrol stations are currently allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm. Its retail stores operate with a 60 per cent capacity between 8am to 8pm under the Movement Control Order (MCO).

However, petrol stations located along highways can operate 24 hours a day.

Yesterday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the operation hour for restaurants and food premises will be extended. Starting today, they can open between 6am to 10pm.

Previously, operation hours involving food premises and restaurants were between 8am to 8pm.

He said the government had decided on this after taking into consideration the pleas from restaurant operators. - NST