SHAH ALAM, Oct 19 — Motorists could face a wait of several months for answers over allegations of water-contaminated RON95 petrol, as laboratory analysis of 27 samples collected from seven petrol stations in Selangor is expected to take months.
Selangor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Muhamad Hanif Asa'ari said the samples were collected from petrol stations in Klang, Sungai Buloh, Puchong and Shah Alam, Berita Harian reported.
He said KPDN could not yet confirm allegations of water contamination in the petrol until the Chemistry Department Malaysia completed its analysis and further investigations were concluded.
"The analysis process could take several months. However, KPDN has requested that the Chemistry Department Malaysia expedite the testing of the samples so that further action can be taken," he said.
On Saturday, media reports said KPDN Selangor had inspected seven petrol stations and collected 27 RON95 petrol samples following complaints from motorists who alleged that the fuel had damaged their vehicle engines.
The inspections and on-site investigations were carried out following public complaints and reports that went viral on social media.
Muhamad Hanif said the ministry had so far received 10 formal complaints involving the seven petrol stations.
He said motorists reported various engine problems, including unusual noises, engine hesitation, loss of power and failure to start, as well as cases of burnt engine valves.
"Further inspections by vehicle manufacturers' service centres also confirmed that engine damage in some complainants' vehicles was caused by water contamination in their fuel tanks," he said.
He said all the petrol stations involved held valid Controlled Supplies Act (CSA) licences and licences under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA).
KPDN had also issued notices under Section 32 of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, requiring the premises' owners to submit relevant business information and documents to assist investigations.
The investigation aims to determine whether there were possible violations of Section 5(1)(c), read together with Sections 6(1)(d) and 7 of the same Act, concerning allegations of false trade descriptions relating to the petrol supplied.
Meanwhile, Caltex Malaysia said in a statement that it was aware of the concerns raised over RON95 petrol quality and would continue cooperating with the authorities throughout the investigation.
The company said samples had been collected at various stages of handling along the supply chain as part of its established protocols and compliance procedures.
"Samples were also collected from vehicles reported to have been affected, and all have been sent to accredited laboratories for testing.
"We appreciate our customers' patience throughout this process. We take this matter seriously and are doing everything possible to resolve it," the statement said.
