PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will meet representatives of the Petrol Dealers Association and petrol station operators tomorrow to ensure there is adequate supply of petrol and diesel.
“Together, we will find solutions,” he told a press conference after the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia general assembly ended today.
On claims that a few petrol stations had stopped their operations without getting the approval of the authorities, Dr Mahathir said he would look into the matter.
Earlier, Bumiputera Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Abu Samah Bachik had expressed concern that consumers might face difficulties in obtaining petrol and diesel as supplies were expected to run dry by Jan 1.
He said this stemmed from petrol station operators’ refusal to increase their reserves by the end of this month.
Previously, the Finance Ministry had announced that the retail price of petroleum products, including RON95, would be cheaper from Jan 1 onwards.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said this follows the government’s move to streamline the prices of petroleum product on a monthly basis, in line with the global market price of crude oil.
Saying the move would prove to be more beneficial to consumers, Lim also announced that the government would be returning to a weekly float for the RON95 petrol price from Jan 1 onwards.
On improving the welfare of smallholders in the palm oil and rubber sectors, Dr Mahathir said they should diversify their crops to cushion the impact of low commodity prices.
“We want small or big estates to allocate a plot to grow agriculture produce, including vegetables, fruits and other crops.
“If commodity prices drop, they can still generate revenue from the alternative agriculture produce.” Dr Mahathir said this when he was asked to comment on Armada chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s call for strong action to be taken against the European Union for banning Malaysia’s palm oil.