PUTRAJAYA: The introduction of RON95 EURO4M, which contains less sulfur, will be postponed to Jan 1, 2020.
In a statement today, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution said this was decided after a series of discussions between the government and petroleum companies.
The petroleum companies said more time was needed to prepare for the introduction of RON95 EURO 4M, including ensuring sufficient supply for the Malaysian market.
“And, also to ensure it doesn’t have an impact on the retail price of fuel for consumers. Therefore, the government has decided that the introduction of RON95 EURO4M will be postponed to Jan 1, 2020m from the original implementation date (Oct 1, 2018).”
The use of EURO4M will reduce sulfur emission, thereby improving air quality. EURO2M, which is being used at present, has sulfur content of 500 parts per million (ppm). EURO4M will reduce it to just 50 ppm.
“The government has also agreed that the transitional price for the petrol will also be carried out in stages for six months, from July 2019,” he said.
“The introduction of high quality fuel is an effort to reduce pollution and health risk among the people in line with the country’s Green Technology Policy 2009.
“This is also Pakatan Harapan’s 39th pledge in the general election manifesto ‘to balance economical development with environmental protection’.”
He said the previous government had originally slated the implementation of EURO4M for RON97 on Sept 1, 2015; RON95 on Oct 1, 2018 and EURO5 for diesel on Sept 2020 and petrol on Sept 1, 2025.