KKDW collaborates with BHPetrol to develop fuel stations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Rural Development (KKDW) has formed three strategic partnerships with Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) to develop fuel stations for the distribution of subsidized fuel, installation of Solar PV (Photovoltaic) panels, and placement of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) products in BHPetromart.

According to the Wilayahku portal, this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BHPetrol and eight KKDW agencies.

Among them are the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA), South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR), Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH), Southeast Johor Development Authority (KEJORA), the Rubber Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA), and MARA Incorporated Sdn Bhd (MARA Inc.), a subsidiary of the People’s Trust Council (MARA).

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of KKDW, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, along with the Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, witnessed the MoU signing ceremony between KKDW, represented by the General Managers of the eight involved agencies, and BHPetrol, represented by CEO Ir Azizul Azily Ahmad.

According to Zahid, as the ministry leading rural development, KKDW is continually striving to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas to ensure more balanced and inclusive economic growth.

“Rural areas in Malaysia are often characterized by low levels of infrastructure, limited access, and significant development gaps compared to urban areas.

“Accelerating rural economic growth is crucial as it impacts national development and overall social well-being,” he stated.

However, he added, this development effort cannot rest solely on the government’s shoulders without collaboration from various parties, including government-linked companies (GLCs), government investment companies (GLICs), and the private sector.

“Therefore, I would like to commend BHPetrol for their concern for rural communities through this strategic partnership with the agencies under KKDW in efforts to enhance the well-being of the people as a whole,” he said.

He further stated that this collaboration will assist the ministry in achieving its economic and entrepreneurial development goals.

“These initiatives not only drive technology in local areas but also provide opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to market their products, thereby increasing their income,” he said.

BHPetrol is investing RM45 million to construct ten fuel stations at eight confirmed locations, with two more locations still under review.

These locations include Kampung Awah, Temerloh, Pahang; Sri Gading, Batu Pahat, Johor; KEDA Office Zone 4, Sik, Kedah; Bendang Man, Sik, Kedah; Sungai Tengas, Serdang, Kedah; Ara Kuda, Penang; Taman Kesedar Putra 2, Kelantan; Tumbi Rapat, Jeli, Kelantan; Bandar Penawar, Johor; and Kubang Menerong, Penang.

MARA Inc. has allocated RM1.5 million for the installation of Solar PV panels at 50 existing BHPetrol stations.

This initiative marks the beginning of a transformation towards Renewable Energy (RE) in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, which aims for a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

The initiative also aims to make Malaysia a carbon-neutral country by 2050, as well as advance towards green technology and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.

During the same event, a letter of intent was also presented from BHPetrol to MARA for the placement of SME products from MARA-guided entrepreneurs in 300 BHPetromart convenience stores nationwide.

This will serve as an efficient marketing platform to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs expand their product markets, thereby providing a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of KKDW, Datuk Hajah Rubiah Wang; the Chief Secretary of KKDW, Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar; the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali; and the Chairman of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), General (R) Tan Sri Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin.