Announcing this, Domestic Trade, Cooperation and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said Johor would have fuel stations selling the Euro 5-grade diesel, whose usage in diesel powered vehicles was enforced by Singapore from July 1.
“Understanding the plight of the lorry drivers and owners, the government through the Economic Council has approved the sale of the diesel, and Bousted Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) will be the first do so in Johor from today,” he said.
He told reporters this after launching the new diesel fuel brand, the Infiniti Euro 5 Diesel, at the BHPetrol Pagoh South station, at KM 135 of the North South Highway here Wednesday.
Apart from this station, the fuel will also be made available at BHPetrol Pagoh North, BHPetrol Tebrau 2 and BHPetrol Pasir Gudang 3.
Seven more BHPetrol stations in Johor will sell the fuel in two weeks time.
“Euro 5 diesel is good for the environment due to its lower sulphur content which is only 10 parts per million (ppm) as compared to 500 ppm for the current Malaysia’s Euro 2M-grade,” Hasan said.
He said the government decision would help the Malaysian lorry drivers and owners avoid being fined by the Singaporean authorities, and at the same time safeguard the long standing trade ties between both countries.
Meanwhile, BHPetrol Managing Tan Kim Thiam said the Infiniti Euro 5 Diesel would be sold at RM2.30 per litre, a marginal increase of 10 sen from the current Euro 2M diesel.
Due to the quality of the diesel, he believed people would not mind paying the extra 10 sen as they save a lot in the maintenance of their vehicles.
He stressed that the fuel would be sold to Malaysian registered vehicles only.
On this score, Hasan said the authority would monitor the sale of the subsidised diesel, to ensure it only benefits Malaysian vehicle owners.
He said other petrol companies in the country wanting to sell the Euro 5 diesel can apply for approval from the ministry, whilst there is no restriction on others continuing to sell the Euro 2M diesel.
— BERNAMA
