MalaysiaGIS.com

CALTEX OIL Malaysia Ltd has introduced a wireless application protocol (WAP) application which provides a listing of its service station locations. The new service allows motorist with WAP-enabled mobile phones to access the locations of Caltex service stations including maps, addresses and contact details from anywhere.

Caltex Oil's retail marketing general manager for Malaysia and Singapore said the service enables the company to further strengthen its relationships with its customers in a more personalised manner.

"We recognise that the utilisation and optimisation of the latest technology in providing value-added services for our customers is the way of the future."

He was speaking to reporters after the WAP service launch in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. The service can be accessed at www.wap.caltex.com.my.

According to Oh, the first phase will see the listing of other Caltex stations nationwide, starting with major cities like Penang, Ipoh and Kuantan.

"All the 300 service stations are expected to be fully listed by the end of the year," Oh said, adding that Caltex is exploring the possibility of introducing the service to its other service stations worldwide.

The service was developed jointly with WAP content provider Alaf Kreatif Sdn Bhd within 4 months. Caltex Malaysia now claims to be the first oil company in the world to provide such a service.

Alaf Kreatif's chief executive officer Hishamuddin Mohamed said the service will be available to anyone, anywhere in the world. The maps come with landmarks, making it easier for users to track the nearest Caltex service station, he added.

Incorporated in March, Alaf Kreatif presently operates and manages a research and development traffic portal on the Internet at www.howtraffic.com.my.

It is a member of the WAP Focal Group - a group of companies which are being nurtured and developed in Malaysia by Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd.