The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has decided that all petrol stations nationwide will close by 10pm daily and reopens only at 7am. In addition, a 1% surcharge will be imposed on credit card users.

The move is unwise as it brings about inconveniences to the public. People who leave their home before 7am to get to work and only make it back home after 10pm will not find the time to fill up their tank. It will be better if they operate from 6am to 12am if not 24 hours. Petrol stations along tolled expressways and those that have 24-hour fast food restaurants such as KFC, McDonald’s and Burger King located within should continue to operate 24 hours.

The 1% surcharge on credit card transactions will burden the public. Since price of petrol has increased 30 sen more than a year ago, it resulted in an ever increasing cost of living. An additional 1% will make burden the public more. Besides, this will discourage the use of credit card, causing longer queues at the counters.

Please rethink your decision. I do hope the authorities step in to resolve this problem without inconveniencing the people.