Nigerians Observe As Malaysia Moves To Ban CNG Powered Vehicles Over Safety Concerns

The Malaysian government has announced its plan to phase out the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles and bring an end to the sale of natural gas vehicles (NGV) across the country.

This decision, disclosed by Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Loke Siew Fook, has raised eyebrows among Nigerians, particularly as Nigeria is presently investing heavily in CNG infrastructure to alleviate the economic impact of the petrol subsidy removal.

During a recent press conference reported by Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Minister Loke Siew Fook outlined that starting from July 1, 2025, Malaysia will halt the registration and use of CNG-powered vehicles.

He also disclosed that Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), the country’s state-owned oil and gas giant, will begin to gradually cease CNG sales at its stations from the same date.

The move aims to address long-standing safety concerns as Malaysia shifts its focus away from CNG in the transport sector.

The Malaysian transport ministry’s decision follows the observation that CNG vehicles make up a mere 0.2 percent of the country’s vehicle population, with approximately 44,383 NGVs currently in use.

Citing the aging and safety risks associated with these vehicles, particularly the NGV tanks, which have a 15-year lifespan, Loke noted that Malaysia can no longer risk the potential dangers on its roads.

Fook further stressed that incidents involving unauthorized vehicle modifications with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders have led to explosions, often endangering both the drivers and the general public.

The Malaysian government has thus opted to introduce an assistance package to ease the transition for CNG vehicle owners as the country moves away from NGV use.

Taxi drivers currently using CNG-powered vehicles are set to receive a one-time RM3,000 e-voucher through Petronas’s Setel mobile app, while owners of dual-fuel vehicles will be able to have their NGV kits removed at no cost, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Interestingly, this development comes at a time when Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, is making a significant push toward CNG adoption as an alternative fuel source.

Seen as a solution to help ease the economic strain of rising fuel costs post-subsidy removal, Nigeria’s CNG initiative has reportedly attracted investments exceeding $200 million, with plans to establish over 1,000 CNG conversion centers nationwide.

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While Nigeria’s approach to CNG adoption focuses on curbing fuel expenses, Malaysia’s decision emphasizes the safety challenges linked to aging CNG infrastructure.

For instance, under the Malaysian government’s assistance package, owners of purely NGV-powered vehicles will be eligible for a one-off payment based on the current value of their vehicles, as determined by an independent appraiser.

However, the vehicles must be sent to an authorized facility for disposal and deregistration, ensuring that they are no longer a risk on Malaysian roads.

This contrast in policy approaches between Nigeria and Malaysia has sparked discussion among Nigerians, especially as Nigeria takes strides toward the adoption of CNG technology to ease transportation costs.

While Malaysia introduced CNG as early as the late 1990s, primarily for taxis and airport limousines, its current transition away from NGVs raises questions about the long-term sustainability and safety of CNG as a viable fuel option.

As Nigeria observes Malaysia’s transition, the two countries’ divergent paths on CNG usage underscore a broader conversation around safety, cost, and the future of alternative fuels in an era of evolving energy needs and environmental considerations.