RON95 water contamination claims: What motorists need to know

SHAH ALAM – Allegations of water contamination in RON95 have spread across several northern states after motorists reported vehicle problems following refuelling, prompting authorities to inspect petrol stations and collect fuel samples for analysis.

The allegations, which circulated on social media, included claims that vehicles failed to start or developed problems after motorists filled up with RON95.

However, no authority has confirmed that water-contaminated fuel caused the reported vehicle problems.

Here is what motorists need to know about the allegations and the ongoing investigations.

 What are the allegations?

Several motorists have taken to social media to report problems with their vehicles after refuelling at petrol stations in northern states.

Some claimed their vehicles could not be started, while others said their cars had to be sent to workshops or towed for inspection.

The reports included allegations that water had entered the RON95 supply, although the claims have yet to be substantiated.

The Kedah Consumers Association (CAKE) said it was aware of viral social media reports alleging vehicle damage after motorists refuelled with RON95 at several stations in the state.

CAKE president Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff said the association hoped the results of fuel sample analysis would be expedited and communicated to consumers.

 What has KPDN found?

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has conducted inspections at petrol stations in several northern states following the complaints.

In Penang, KPDN inspected a petrol station in Batu Kawan on Sunday after social media users claimed their vehicles developed problems after refuelling there.

A review of the station's Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) records found no readings indicating the presence of water in the RON95 storage tanks during the period monitored.

Physical inspections of the pump area and tank sump also found no unusual accumulation of water apart from normal condensation.

Manual checks of the RON95 storage tanks similarly found no indication of water, while fuel dispensed from the pumps appeared clear, with no visible signs of contamination.

In Kedah, KPDN inspected 11 petrol stations in Alor Setar, Kubang Pasu, Sungai Petani and Kulim.

Preliminary checks using manual dipping and ATG readings found no indication of water in the storage tanks inspected.

However, KPDN stressed that the preliminary findings were not conclusive.

Fuel samples were taken from the tanks or pumps and sent to the Department of Chemistry Malaysia for further analysis, while operators were also to send samples to their respective oil companies' laboratories.

KPDN has since also inspected six petrol stations in Perak, covering Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar.

As in Kedah, preliminary checks found no signs of water, but KPDN said the findings could not be regarded as conclusive until laboratory analysis of the samples is completed.

 Why are the laboratory results important?

The preliminary inspections are intended to identify possible signs of water in fuel storage tanks, but they do not provide the final answer on whether the RON95 sold at the stations was contaminated.

KPDN has therefore taken fuel samples for scientific analysis before deciding on further action.

The ministry has also urged the public not to draw conclusions based solely on information circulating on social media.

 What does CAKE say?

CAKE has urged petrol station operators to accept responsibility for consumer losses if the allegations are eventually proven.

Mohamad Yusrizal said action should be taken against stations found to be involved if the analysis confirms the presence of foreign substances in RON95.

He said this would serve as a lesson to other operators to exercise greater care in fuel management.

CAKE also said vehicle damage linked to problematic fuel could result in high repair costs for consumers.

However, the association's call for accountability is conditional on the allegations being proven.

 What should motorists do if their vehicle develops problems after refuelling?

Motorists who experience problems shortly after refuelling should have their vehicles and fuel systems inspected to establish the actual cause.

They should also keep their fuel receipt and record details such as the petrol station, pump number, date, time and amount of RON95 purchased.

Workshop inspection reports, repair bills and other relevant documents should also be kept if the motorist later needs to lodge a complaint or seek compensation.

Motorists should avoid assuming that a vehicle problem automatically means the fuel was contaminated, as the allegations have not been confirmed.

 Can vehicle problems prove that the fuel was contaminated?

Problems such as difficulty starting, engine trouble or a vehicle breaking down after refuelling may raise concerns about the fuel, but the timing alone does not establish that water contamination was the cause.

The source of the vehicle problem would need to be properly established, while any allegation of contaminated fuel would need to be supported by appropriate testing.

 How can motorists make a complaint?

KPDN said members of the public can submit complaints through its WhatsApp channel at 019-848 8000, the KPDN e-Aduan portal, its call centre at 1-800-886-800 or the EzADU KPDN mobile application.

Motorists making a complaint should provide as much information as possible, including the station involved, date and time of refuelling, pump number, amount of fuel purchased and details of the vehicle problem.

 What happens next?

The laboratory analysis of the fuel samples will be crucial in determining whether the allegations of water contamination can be substantiated.

Until the results are available, motorists should treat claims circulating on social media as allegations and avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of vehicle problems.

KPDN has said it will assess the laboratory results together with the overall investigation before determining further action, including action if any legal provisions are found to have been breached.