The 15 operators claim they are in the dark over why they have to shut down – a move that will see around 200 people out of a job.

Fauziah Ahmad Fadzil, who has been operating a station in Sungai Buloh for the past 17 years, said no reason was given in the termination letters that she and the other operators received from Caltex Malaysia on May 15.

“We tried to discuss the matter with Caltex to iron out the issue, but they refused to meet us,” she said at a press conference here today.

Also present were Petrol Dealers Association secretary-general Rofaie Mohd Hamdan and Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) chief activist Nadzim Johan.

Fauziah claimed Caltex Malaysia had disregarded the government’s directive when it came to implementing the self-service policy at its stations.

“Instead, Caltex has forced us to fork out money for it.”

Another operator, Yong Sing Fatt, 56, teared up as he spoke about the future of his station in Taman Salak Selatan, the ownership of which he had inherited from his father.

“Caltex’s decision is really hard on us all, and is putting us under a lot of pressure.

“We can’t accept the termination letter as we have been running the business for so long.”

Rofaie voiced concern that other petrol companies might issue similar directives to their operators.

“I hope the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry will take action.”

When contacted, Caltex Malaysia said they will issue a statement on the matter soon.