KUCHING: Although Sarawak is developing quite fast and its population is increasing, many rural areas still do not have fuel stations, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen.
“As a deputy minister, we are looking into the setting up of more fuel stations including mini stations and even portable container systems in the rural areas for the benefit of the rural populace, especially in terms of the prices,” Chong told reporters after he officially declared open a Petronas petrol station at Sungai Maong, Batu Kawa, yesterday.
“For instance, in Kapit, petrol and diesel are sold at higher prices by fuel “runners” compared to the prices in urban areas.
“My ministry will look into this matter to ensure that we will be able to standardise fuel prices statewide within this year.
“I have also discussed with the CEO of Petronas Dagangan Bhd Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin to look into the matter for a win-win solution with the rural fuel suppliers.
“However, what is important is that the rural folk will be able to buy fuel at the same prices as their urban counterparts,” he said, adding that such a move was aimed at promoting a more friendly business environment.
Chong also said that the demand for fuel would increase as connectivity within Sarawak improved and as the Pan Borneo Highway progressed.
“The growth of new retail fuel stations in the state will help to meet the demand for fuel and support the infrastructure and economic developments of the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, CEO of Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin said, “We promise to be where our customers need us and to bridge the gap in the supply and demand.
“East Malaysia is one of our focus areas in moving forward as demand grows and we will strive to introduce new products and offerings to the local community for a seamless and frictionless customer experience.”
As part of the launching ceremony, PDB will be giving away a complimentary RM30 Petronas Gift Card to the first 50 customers who patronise the new station at Sungai Maong, Batu Kawa.
The gift card can be used to buy both fuel and items in Kedai Mesra Petronas. Furthermore, between March 2 and 15, Petronas Sungai Maong station customers will be rewarded with 5 times Mesra points per litre of Petronas Primax fuel purchased.
The fuel station is the 91st Petronas station in the state with a Kedai Mesra and is also the first Petronas station in the state with a KFC drive-thru.
