The Malaysian government has announced plans to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles due to safety concerns, marking the end of the sale and registration of such vehicles in the country.
Transport Minister, Loke Siew Fook revealed that new measures would be implemented to halt the use of CNG vehicles, citing the safety risks associated with their gas tanks.
Starting July 1, 2025, no new CNG-powered vehicles will be allowed to be registered in Malaysia. The decision follows concerns over the age and safety of the compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks, which have a typical service life of 15 years.
Loke noted that a significant number of the country’s 44,383 CNG vehicles are nearing the end of their tank lifespan, which poses a potential safety risk, as these vehicles have been involved in accidents leading to explosions.
CNG vehicles currently represent only about 0.2% of the total vehicle population in Malaysia, excluding motorcycles.
The government’s decision to phase out CNG vehicles is part of broader efforts to enhance road safety for the public.
CNG usage in Malaysia began in the late 1990s, but concerns over the safety of the gas tanks have led to this decisive policy change.
