Malaysia To Phase Out CNG-powered Vehicles Over Safety Concerns
The Malaysian government has announced its intention to gradually eliminate the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles, as well as to cease the sale of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) within the country.
During a recent press conference, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook provided details on this initiative, as reported by Free Malaysia Today (FMT), a local news outlet. In Malaysia, CNG is commonly referred to as NGV.
Starting July 1, 2025, CNG-powered vehicles will no longer be eligible for registration or use within Malaysia, according to Fook. He also noted that Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), the state-owned oil and gas company, will begin phasing out CNG sales at its stations from the same date.
With only approximately 44,383 NGVs currently in operation—representing a mere 0.2 percent of the total vehicle population in Malaysia, excluding motorcycles—the minister asserted that this move aims to enhance road safety for users and the general public. “The NGV tanks in these vehicles are nearing the end of their service life and require replacement, as these tanks typically have a safe usage period of 15 years,” Fook explained.
He also highlighted the risks associated with some car owners who have modified their vehicles to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, emphasizing their potential danger due to previous incidents of explosions during accidents.
