The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry offers a financial incentive of RM35,000 to help mini petrol station operators to refurbish their existing stations in rural areas.

Its minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said, this year, the offer was opened to 26 companies while 76 companies would be given the same opportunity next year.

"Currently, there are 263 mini petrol stations across the country, and there are some which are old and less attractive but still doing very well due to high demand.

"The ministry is offering this financial help so that the customers will continue their support," he told reporters after opening the Bukit Ibam Buraqoil Mini Petrol Station in Muadzam Shah, here last night.

Also present were Rompin member of Parliament Datuk Hassan Ariffin, Muadzam Shah assemblyman Datuk Seri Maznah Mazlan, Bukit Ibam assemblyman Datuk Wan Kadry Wan Mahusin and IPTB Sdn Bhd corporate advisor Datin Seri Shuhanie Deraman.

Buraqoil, one of the leading mini petrol stations in rural areas, is wholly-owned by IPTB Sdn Bhd.

Hamzah said the opening of the mini petrol station would facilitate rural communities to get petrol and diesel supplies with guaranteed quality and service.

It would also become a catalyst for the local economy by creating jobs for the people as well as helping the government to standardise fuel prices in urban and rural areas, he said.

Meanwhile, Shuhanie said IPTB had been supplying petrol and diesel to 174 Buraqoil mini petrol stations in the country's eight states. - BERNAMA