The Malaysian government has announced plans to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, ending the sale and registration of natural gas-powered vehicles (NGVs) nationwide starting from July 1, 2025, in a move aimed at enhancing road safety.
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook confirmed the decision, citing public safety concerns due to aging NGV tanks and unsafe modifications involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.
“CNG-powered vehicles can no longer be registered or used in Malaysia,” Fook said during a press conference, highlighting the government’s concerns over the safety risks posed by the aging NGV fleet.
State-owned oil and gas giant Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) will begin a gradual halt of CNG sales at its stations nationwide on the same date.
CNG-powered vehicles represent a small fraction of the Malaysian automotive landscape, accounting for approximately 44,383 vehicles, or just 0.2 percent of the country’s total vehicle fleet, according to the transport ministry.
“The NGV tanks of these vehicles are now reaching the end of their service life,” Fook explained, noting that NGV tanks generally have a lifespan of