Reference is made to the article published on page 16 of your News section titled “Unethical for banks to deduct RM200 when people use debit cards at petrol kiosks” by ‘T.S.W.’ The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) would like to clarify and remind cardholders (applicable for debit, credit and charge cards) that a pre-authorisation amount is charged (capped at RM200) to cardholders when fuelling up at the self-service petrol pumps.

The pre-authorisation value will be deducted from the available balance from the cardholder’s account but will be released once the actual amount transacted at the self-service petrol pumps is charged to the cardholder. Such pre-authorisation is part of the terms and conditions attached to your payment cards. Cardholders are reminded to read and understand the stipulated Terms and Conditions governing card transactions upon receipt of your payment cards.

Cardholders who want to avoid a pre-authorisation charge at self-service petrol pumps are advised to approach the cashier for an over-the-counter transaction to charge the exact amount to your card before pumping petrol. Cardholders may also, where applicable, select the exact purchase amount at self-service petrol pumps at petrol stations which provide such feature.