PETALING JAYA: The Petroleum Dealers’ Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has urged motorists to lodge formal complaints with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and oil companies over suspected RON95 petrol contamination and vehicle damage, instead of relying on social media.
In a statement on Sunday (Nov 1), the association said it understood the concerns of affected motorists but cautioned against speculation over the cause of the incidents and parties responsible pending official laboratory findings.
PDAM said preliminary inspections by the ministry in early October at 11 petrol stations in Kedah and six in Perak found no indication of water in the underground fuel storage tanks examined.
However, it stressed that the findings were limited to the stations inspected and were not conclusive, pending further laboratory analysis.
It welcomed the ministry's investigation into the wider fuel supply chain, including depots and fuel deliveries, to establish the source of any contamination.
"Any alleged fuel-quality issue should be investigated across the relevant supply chain rather than automatically blamed on individual dealers," it said.
PDAM said petrol station dealers shared motorists' concerns over fuel quality and safety, adding that they relied on oil companies to supply petrol that met prescribed specifications.
While dealers were responsible for proper station maintenance, the association said they did not manufacture or blend petrol.
It also rejected allegations that dealers deliberately mixed water into petrol for commercial gain, saying such actions would damage vehicles, undermine customer confidence and jeopardise their businesses.
The association urged the public not to circulate unverified claims, particularly those identifying specific petrol stations, as this could cause unnecessary alarm and damage dealers' reputations.
"Dealers facing demonstrably false or defamatory allegations were advised to preserve evidence, lodge police reports and inform their respective associations or PDAM," it said.
The association added that it could assist in coordinating follow-up action, including referring cases to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) where warranted.
PDAM urged the public to remain calm and allow the ministry to complete its investigations, saying official laboratory findings should guide any action taken.
