The government's delay in ensuring Malaysia uses better quality diesel fuels is costing the lives of Malaysians, DAP's Kampar MP Dr Ko Chung Sen said today.

 

A medical doctor by profession, Ko said Malaysia is still unable to implement the use of Euro 5 diesel and still provides Euro 2 diesel, which has 50 times higher sulphur content than Euro 5, resulting in far more potent cancer-causing exhaust fumes.

 

Thailand and Singapore have already upgraded their diesel fuel quality, but the government, despite initial plans to introduce Euro 4 diesel in June 2015, has said that oil companies have asked for a postponement of the plan due to cost issues.

 

"This is absolutely outrageous as the oil companies are making billions of ringgit every year. They have introduced Euro 4 and 5 diesels in Thailand and Singapore. Why can't they supply the same for Malaysia?" Ko asked.

 

He accused the government of merely taking into account the interests of the oil refiners and not the health of the people.

 

'Exhaust fumes cause cancer'

Ko cited a study which stated diesel engine exhaust fumes could be the cause for as much as six percent of lung cancer deaths in the United Kingdom and United States.

 

"The risk of getting lung cancer is 10 times higher for people living in urban areas and near highways," he said.

 

He said that the modern diesel engines are 30 percent more efficient and also environmentally friendly. 

 

He also pointed out that the Euro 5 diesel has already been made available in BHP petrol stations in Johor Bahru, as lorries and cars entering Singapore need to comply with the stringent emission limits there.

 

Euro 5 diesel there costs just an extra 10 sen a litre, and this is proof that the diesel can be introduced with very little extra cost, he explained.

 

"Malaysians are literally paying more than ever, even with their lives, for the dirty Euro 2 standard diesel in this country," Ko added.

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