Caltex, Petron begin paying motorists over RON95 damage claims

Menteri Dagang Dalam Negeri Sara Hidup Armizan Mohd Ali stated that Caltex and Petron have begun paying 'goodwill' compensation to motorists who reported vehicle damage after filling up with RON95 petrol. This payment does not imply the companies admit responsibility or fault, according to the minister. The investigation is ongoing into claims that certain RON95 petrol supplies were contaminated, causing vehicle damage in several regions.

Armizan informed the House of Representatives that the goodwill payments are not an admission of responsibility or fault by the companies. Even though the cause of the contamination of RON95 petrol remains unknown, both companies have started paying goodwill compensation to users who file valid claims, subject to conditions set by the respective companies.

Users who feel the goodwill payment is inadequate can utilize alternative channels to seek redress, such as filing a civil claim or referring the matter to the Users' Claims Tribunal. Armizan addressed concerns from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) regarding compensation for aggrieved users and the testing protocol for contaminated petrol leading to engine damage.

The complaints began on October 3 and were found to be associated with several Caltex and Petron petrol stations, particularly in Kedah and Pulau Pinang. Out of 262 samples taken nationwide, initial tests on 43 samples found less than 0.05% water content, the lowest level that could be reported. The remaining samples are still undergoing testing to detect water and other contaminants.

The minister believes the issue may be linked to the supply of petrol during a specific period, but the root cause remains unknown. Some petrol stations are still closed following complaints, while the ministry is also investigating the losses suffered by affected station owners. The government is also reviewing testing and monitoring methods for fuel quality in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Australia to improve the oversight of petrol supplies in Malaysia.