Water in the tank at Batu Kawan? Penang team looks into viral claims of vehicle trouble after refuelling

Several motorists have taken to social media claiming their vehicles won’t start after they refuelled at petrol stations near Batu Kawan, Penang, which the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is currently investigating. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Sunday, 04 Oct 2026 3:21 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 4 — The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Penang is investigating claims that several vehicles experienced problems after refuelling at petrol stations near Batu Kawan.

A Penang KPDN spokesperson said the ministry was aware of the claims and had sent a team to investigate.

“The Penang KPDN has taken note of the claims of vehicles experiencing problems after refuelling at a petrol station near Batu Kawan.

“We will send a team to look into the matter and issue a media statement afterwards,” the spokesperson said in a statement today.

Earlier, several posts went viral on social media alleging that vehicles experienced problems, including being unable to start, after refuelling at several petrol stations around Penang.

The posts also claimed that the problem was suspected to have been caused by water-contaminated fuel, but this has yet to be confirmed by the authorities. — Bernama

* Editor’s note: The initials KPDN in Malay stands for Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup.