Johor to have separate pumps for foreign cars

Malaysia will set up a dual pump system at its petrol stations near its borders to stop foreigners from buying fuel at subsidized prices. The system is likely to be implemented by the end of the year as most fuel station operators have agreed, senior government leaders said. The new measure will mean that Singaporeans who refuel in southern Johor will have to pay more for their fuel, by using pumps different from those used by Malaysians. The system has two benefits, namely foreigners will pay for petrol at the market price and Malaysians will know the actual market price of petrol, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said. According to Domestic Trade Minister Shahrir Samad, about 500 fuel stations in southern Johor and near the Thai border will be affected. The announcement comes less than a month after the Malaysian government raised petrol prices by 41% and diesel fuel prices by 63% at the pump on June 5, stoking public anger. (June 23, 2008)