Complaints over alleged fuel quality issues linked to vehicle engine problems in Perlis have risen to 14, up from 11 recorded on Oct 8, according to the state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) office.
A source from KPDN Perlis confirmed that the office had received 14 complaints as of yesterday, marking an increase of three reports in nine days.
The complaints come amid growing concerns over alleged RON95 petrol contamination in several northern states since early this month.
Affected motorists have claimed their vehicles developed problems after refuelling, including unusual engine noises and difficulty starting.
The issue has also drawn attention on local social media, where users have shared pictures of fuel they suspect to be of poor quality.
Some netizens have urged KPDN to expand its investigation by collecting fuel samples from the fuel systems of affected vehicles and obtaining statements from mechanics who carried out repairs.
They argued that the investigation should include vehicles allegedly damaged by the fuel, rather than focusing solely on inspections of storage tanks at petrol stations.
However, the actual cause of the reported problems has yet to be established, including whether they are directly linked to fuel quality.
Earlier, KPDN Perlis inspected 15 petrol stations in the state on Oct 5 following the circulation of social media claims that petrol had been mixed with water.
Motorists experiencing fuel-related problems have been advised to lodge official complaints with KPDN and provide supporting evidence, including petrol purchase receipts, photographs and workshop inspection reports.
