Kuala lumpur: The Bumiputera Petrol Station Operators Association of Malaysia (Bumipeda) has urged the government to review the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charged on credit card transactions. Its vice-president, Shahrul Nizam Md Radzi, stated that MDR charges are placing an increasing burden on petrol station operators, adding to the cost pressures they already face from rising fuel prices.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahrul Nizam expressed concerns during Bernama TV's Malaysia Petang Ini programme, titled 'West Asian Geopolitics: Driving Higher Fuel Prices', highlighting that the charges are currently imposed based on the higher pump price and are putting pressure on operators. He emphasized that petrol station operators are no longer solely focused on managing fuel sales to consumers but are also dealing with inventory management, working capital, cash flow, operational risks, and the growing use of digital payments.

Shahrul Nizam stressed the need for sound policies that not only protect consumers but also ensure the sustainability of the entire supply chain. He also called on the government to continue reviewing and refining the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) to ensure it remains relevant amid changes in the global energy market. The goal, he said, is to ensure fair prices for consumers, a sustainable industry, and a stable and secure national energy supply.