SHAH ALAM: Malaysia will begin implementing the use of Euro 5 petrol in September next year, with full specifications expected by 2027 as part of a long-term solution to safeguard the nation's air quality.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the move is also in line with the Environmental Quality Regulations (Control of Petrol and Diesel Fuel Content) 2007, Sinar Harian reported.
"Therefore, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and the Department of Environment (DOE) will work closely with industry players to ensure a smooth transition," he said on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the national-level Op Gerak in conjunction with World Ozone Day at the Shah Alam Expressway.
The joint operation involves four enforcement agencies, namely, the DOE, the police, the Road Transport Department, and the National Anti-Drugs Agency, with support from the staff of the Shah Alam Expressway Authority (Kesas).
Nik Nazmi further commented that the adoption of Euro 5 will also encourage Malaysia's automotive industry to advance vehicle technology, including for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles.
He said vehicles equipped with Euro 5 emission technology will operate more efficiently and produce cleaner exhaust emissions, positively impacting the country's air quality.
"Previously, the country took proactive steps to address air pollution by introducing Euro 5 diesel fuel in April 2021, reaching full specification by April 2023."