Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) has brushed aside allegations that it sidelines Bumiputera suppliers of food items such as nasi lemak sold at its Kedai Mesra outlets, saying it always strives to support local entrepreneurs by giving them business opportunities.

In a statement, the petroleum products provider said registered suppliers is needed to preserve the quality of all products and services sold at the outlets.

"As a public listed and responsible corporate citizen, PDB has an obligation to the public to ensure that our products and services are of the highest standard and quality," it said.

Local entrepreneurs can apply to be PDB authorised suppliers through its small and medium enterprises (IKS) programme, it added.

- Bernama