KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Petrol station operators in Malaysia have urged the government to reconsider the current Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) imposed on credit card transactions, citing growing financial pressure caused by rising operational expenses and fuel costs.
The Bumiputera Petrol Station Operators Association of Malaysia (Bumipeda) said the MDR charges have become an additional burden for operators, as the fees are calculated based on fuel purchase values that have increased alongside pump prices.
Bumipeda vice-president Shahrul Nizam Md Radzi said a review of the charges is needed to ensure petrol station businesses remain sustainable while continuing to support consumers.
He said petrol station operators are now facing wider responsibilities beyond fuel sales, including managing inventory, cash flow, working capital, operational risks, and the increasing adoption of digital payment systems.
According to him, government policies should consider the needs of all parties within the fuel supply chain by balancing consumer interests with the sustainability of petrol station operators.
Shahrul Nizam also called for continued improvements to the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) to ensure the system remains suitable amid changes in global energy markets.
He said the objective should be to maintain fair fuel prices for consumers while supporting a stable industry and ensuring national energy security.
source: bumiputera-petrol-station-operators-urge-review-of-credit-card-charges-as-fuel-costs-rise
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