The government has firmly rejected a move by petrol station operators nationwide to shorten their operating hours.

"Don't challenge the government. This involves a controlled item," said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shafie Apdal today, as quoted by Bernama .

Shafie said that the cabinet decided last week that 24-hour petrol stations must continue operating as usual despite plans by Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) to cut their operating hours.

The association was in favour of operating from only between 7am and 10pm daily, citing security concerns and high operating costs. This new schedule is to start in October.

The minister however was adamant that there was no reasons for the petrol stations to limit their hours of services.

Meeting tomorrow

He added that stopping the 24-hour operations was not the answer to security issues as was highlighted by the association.

He also warned the association against going the cabinet directive.

"Let them do that and they'll see what action I'm going to take... They know what I can do," he said.

The minister also said that his ministry officials would be meeting with the representative of the association tomorrow. The meeting would take place at his ministry.

"We want to hear their grievances. But strategically-located petrol stations are to continue their 24-hour operations."

"The cabinet has made its decision on this matter," he was quoted as telling reporters today.

No to unilateral decision

There are 3,098 petrol stations in the country, of which 40 per cent operate round-the-clock.

Previously Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had said that the petrol dealers should not make a unilateral decision to close their petrol stations by 10pm.

"They are bound by the Supply Control Act and must abide by the understanding with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry," Najib was quoted by saying in the local media.

The decision by the association received a backlash from all quarters, not just the government ministers.

Consumers and letter-writers to the local dailies have all rejected the move, saying that it would be unfair on consumers.