KUALA LUMPUR: A taxi association has voiced its support for the government's decision to ban Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs), effective July 1 next year.
Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia (GTSM) president Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said that the association had long advocated for this issue.
"While the government did not consult us before this decision, we were informed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Parliament on July 3 this year," he said.
Kamarudin said that they had previously been notified in 2020 that Petronas Sdn Bhd would cease NGV sales due to significant losses.
"We thank the government, especially the Transport Minister, for taking this bold step to end NGV sales, particularly compared to past administrations," he told the New Straits Times today.
When asked if there had been discussions among members about increasing taxi fares, he responded, "No."
Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that all NGVs would no longer be permitted on the road or registered starting July 1 next year.
This decision, made by the cabinet on Oct 2, was influenced by safety concerns regarding NGVs and other road users.
Loke said that the supply of NGVs across the country would be phased out beginning Oct 1, with no retail supply expected by the second quarter of 2025.
To assist NGV vehicle owners in transitioning to alternative fuels, the government, through Petronas Natural Gas Vehicles Sdn Bhd, has launched three aid packages aimed at NGV taxi drivers, petrol-powered vehicles modified for dual-fuel use, and mono-fuel imported vehicles designed exclusively for NGV operation.