KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Petrol stations at border towns will be badly affected by the ruling that they cannot sell fuel to foreign vehicles. Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia acting president Abdul Wahid Bidin said almost 90 per cent of their business were from foreigners.

"The new ruling will affect their business, especially dealers at the states bordering Thailand," he said, but applauded the government's decision as it would prevent foreigners from taking advantage of the subsidy.

However, Abdul Wahid said it would be difficult to enforce, suggesting that Malaysia seek the co-operation of Thailand to introduce a policy like Singapore which makes it mandatory for Singaporean motorists to have three-quarters of the fuel tank filled up before leaving the island.

This, he said, could protect fuel businesses in Thailand and prevent drivers from entering Malaysia just to fill their tanks.

He said if a foreign-registered vehicle ran out of fuel when it was still within the 50km area, it would then be at the discretion of the nearest petrol station or enforcement officer to allow the driver to buy petrol from the station.

"We do not plan to have extra pumps to sell unsubsidised fuel to foreigners," he said.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad had announced on Monday that beginning Friday, petrol stations within 50km of the borders would not be allowed to sell petrol and diesel to foreign-registered vehicles.

A spokesman for Petronas said the company would leave it to the ministry on the mechanisms to implement the ruling.

Shell Malaysia media relations head Cindy Lopez said industry players had a discussion with the ministry yesterday to work out the implementation details.

"We recognise that the implementation will be complex, so we are working very closely with the ministry to work out the details and ensure a smooth implementation of this directive," she said, adding that the company did not plan to set up pumps for unsubsidised fuel for foreigners.