Authorities in Malaysia are investigating seven petrol stations in Selangor after motorists reported engine problems allegedly caused by RON95 petrol contaminated with water.
The Selangor branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) received 10 official complaints involving the seven premises and collected 27 petrol samples for laboratory analysis, according to the ministry’s state director, Muhamad Hanif Asa’ari.
The complaints involved vehicles experiencing abnormal engine noises, jerking, loss of power and difficulties starting. Some motorists also reported burnt engine valves and other serious engine damage.
Hanif said inspections by certain vehicle service centres had linked water contamination in fuel tanks to damage suffered by some affected vehicles. However, laboratory testing is needed to establish the fuel quality at the petrol stations under investigation.
Initial checks found that all seven stations possessed valid licences under the relevant regulations. Nevertheless, the ministry issued notices requiring the operators to submit business records and other documents to assist its investigation.
Authorities are examining possible offences under Malaysia’s Trade Descriptions Act 2011, including allegations involving the accuracy of descriptions of the petrol being sold.
The ministry has reminded oil companies and petrol station operators to maintain their underground storage tanks regularly and ensure compliance with fuel quality and safety standards. Enforcement action could follow if violations are established.
Complaints Also Reported in Northern Malaysia
The Selangor investigation follows similar complaints in several northern states earlier in October.
In Penang, authorities reported receiving 33 complaints involving around 30 petrol stations over suspected water contamination in RON95. An initial inspection at one station in Batu Kawan found no evidence of water contamination, although further testing was required.
In Kedah, officials collected samples from 11 petrol stations after motorists reported vehicle breakdowns following refuelling. Preliminary inspections did not indicate water contamination in the storage tanks examined.
Meanwhile, inspections at six stations in Perak found no initial signs of water in the tanks checked.
Authorities have stressed that laboratory results are needed before conclusions can be drawn about the reported incidents. There is currently no confirmed evidence linking the complaints across Selangor and the northern states.
Motorists Urged to Keep Receipts and Repair Records
Motorists who suspect their vehicles have been affected are advised to retain their official petrol receipts and workshop inspection reports. These documents can help support complaints and assist investigators in tracing the fuel involved.
The ongoing investigations will examine whether the reported engine damage was caused by contaminated petrol and whether any petrol station or supplier breached the law.
Until laboratory findings are available, the allegations remain under investigation, and no conclusion has been established that the petrol sold at all seven Selangor stations was contaminated.
