KUALA LUMPUR: Laboratory analysis of 27 RON95 petrol samples taken from seven petrol stations in Selangor following complaints of possible water contamination could take several months.
Selangor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Muhamad Hanif Asa'ari said the samples were collected from stations in Klang, Sungai Buloh, Puchong and Shah Alam.
"We cannot conclude at this stage that the fuel was contaminated with water until the laboratory results are available and further investigations are completed," he said when contacted today.
He said the ministry had asked the Chemistry Department to expedite the analysis so that further action could be taken.
Yesterday, it was reported that the ministry had inspected seven petrol stations and collected 27 samples following public complaints and viral social media posts alleging that water-contaminated petrol had damaged vehicle engines.
Hanif said the ministry had received 10 official complaints involving the stations.
Reported problems included abnormal engine noises, misfiring, loss of power and engines failing to start. Some cases also involved burnt engine valves.
"Further inspections by vehicle service centres confirmed that water contamination in the fuel tanks had caused engine damage in some affected vehicles," he said.
He added that all seven premises held valid Special Permission Licences and licences under the Petroleum Development Act 1974.
The ministry had issued notices under Section 32 of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, requiring the operators to submit relevant business documents to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 5(1)(c), read together with Sections 6(1)(d) and 7 of the Act, over alleged false trade descriptions concerning the petrol supplied.
Meanwhile, Caltex Malaysia said it was taking the reported RON95 quality issues seriously and would continue cooperating with the authorities.
It said samples had been collected from various stages of the supply chain, as well as from affected vehicles, and sent to accredited laboratories for testing.
"We appreciate our customers' patience throughout this process. We remain committed to resolving this matter, which we view with the utmost seriousness," it said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd