The Malaysian government has announced it will gradually phase out the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, with plans to stop the sale and registration of CNG-powered vehicles by July 1, 2025.
This measure, led by Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook, is part of a broader effort to address safety concerns associated with CNG.
Loke detailed the government’s decision, stating that safety is a primary motivator. “The NGV tanks of these vehicles are now reaching the end of their service life and need to be replaced. NGV tanks typically have a safe usage period of 15 years,” he explained, highlighting the potential risks of aging tanks on the road.
According to the minister, Malaysia has around 44,383 CNG vehicles, representing only about 0.2% of all vehicles in the country. As these tanks near the end of their lifespan, the risk of incidents rises, with some accidents resulting in explosions. This decision is intended to safeguard both drivers and the public.
Malaysia initially adopted CNG in the late 1990s as an alternative fuel to reduce environmental impact. However, with evolving technology and the need to maintain public safety, the government believes a shift away from CNG is now necessary.
The phase-out plan will gradually lead to the discontinuation of CNG infrastructure in the country.
