KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to ban natural gas vehicles (NGVs) is a crucial step for public safety, says an expert.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua said this was given the risks associated with ageing NGVs tanks and potential modifications using unsafe components.
He said that this move prioritised user safety and aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
"While the aid packages for transitioning away from NGVs are a positive initiative, their effectiveness will depend on the level of financial support and resources provided," he told the New Straits Times today.
To ensure compliance among vehicle owners, Law suggested additional measures, including subsidies for alternative fuel vehicles, incentives for scrapping old NGVs, and public awareness campaigns about safety risks and available alternatives.
He recommended regular inspections to guarantee adherence to the new regulations.
"The government should encourage the public to report non-compliant vehicles by offering rewards and imposing significant penalties for violations to deter non-compliance.
"Additionally, the ministry should collaborate with local authorities and enforcement agencies for effective monitoring," he added.
Law stressed the importance of educating vehicle owners about compliance and the associated risks.
Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that all NGVs would be banned from the road and registration effective July 1 next year.
He said that this decision, made by the cabinet on Oct 2, considered the safety of NGVs and other road users.
He also said that the supply of NGVs would be phased out starting Oct 1, and by the second quarter of 2025, no retail supply of NGVs would be available in the market.
The government, through Petronas Natural Gas Vehicles Sdn Bhd, has launched three aid packages to assist NGV owners in transitioning to alternative fuels.
These packages target NGV taxi drivers, petrol-powered vehicles modified for dual-fuel use, and mono-fuel imported vehicles designed specifically for NGV operation.