From Village Pump To Modern Station: How Caltex’s 89-Year Journey In Malaysia Fuels The Community
In Ketereh, Kelantan, the Asmah Ketereh Caltex station stands as a living museum of Malaysia’s transformation, evolving from a simple single-pump station established in 1969 by the late schoolteacher Cikgu Ali Muhammad into the modern facility it is today.
Hisham Abd Rahman and his wife, Norazni Ali, took over operations in 2006, continuing the family legacy and earning a 50-year partnership award from Caltex in 2019.
“The workplace is where I can build relationships, learn and grow in the field of petrol station management,” Hisham reflected.
As a Caltex Malaysia business partner, the experience has certainly provided various valuable and life-changing experiences, both personally and professionally.
A glimpse into history: Cikgu Ali’s Caltex petrol station in 1969, marking the beginning of what would become a decades-long partnership between the company and Malaysian entrepreneurs. (Pix: Caltex Malaysia)
Celebrating the People Who Built an Industry
The station’s story gained national recognition when Caltex Malaysia featured Hisham and Norazni alongside other inspiring individuals in their 89th anniversary celebration this August 2025.
Among those celebrated is Vitini Josak, Lead Coordinator for Logistics & Operations Support, International Integrated Supply Chain, who made history as Caltex’s first female Terminal Manager at the age of 29 and co-developed the Women in Operations program in 2022.
“I was grateful for the trust given to me to lead a team and manage a terminal,” she remarked about her groundbreaking achievement.
Vitini Josak (2nd from right) marks her 25th work anniversary with Caltex Malaysia in 2023, highlighting the company’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. (Pix: Caltex Malaysia)
Steven Ho represents another dimension of commitment, having spent over 27 years with Caltex Malaysia and developed expertise in Polymer-Modified Asphalt for the Malaysian market.
“Workplace has been very much like my second home,” said Ho.
My colleagues have been with me through thick and thin, in good times and bad times.
Steven Ho, NFR Partnership Specialist for Caltex Malaysia, demonstrates the modern evolution of convenience retail at a FamilyMart Mini automated store. This innovative partnership exemplifies the company’s continued adaptation and expansion beyond traditional fuel retail, delivering 24/7 convenience to customers through cutting-edge technology. (Pix: Caltex Malaysia)
Individual Stories, Collective Impact
Brothers Manimaran and Maninadarajan Nallianna became Caltex Retail Partners in 2011, expanding from one station to operating 10 across Malaysia.
It has been a long journey, shared Manimaran.
We came in with limited training and little to no knowledge of the industry. And thanks to Caltex, we have the next generation joining us to learn the ropes and take our business to the next level, and we’re happy to build something we’re all proud of.
These diverse stories reflect what Leong Jee Wong, Country Chairman of Caltex Malaysia, describes as the company’s foundation.
Simply put, Caltex’s history in Malaysia is a testament to excellence and innovation championed by our people.
From a schoolteacher’s modest 1969 investment to today’s network of dedicated professionals and partners, these stories demonstrate how individual commitment and corporate partnership have fueled Malaysia’s remarkable journey.
Maninadarajan (second from left) and Manimaran (fourth from right) celebrate at the grand opening of their Marquis Oil Caltex Educity station, surrounded by colleagues and dignitaries. (Pix: Caltex Malaysia)
