Malaysia to Halt CNG Vehicle Use by 2025 Over Safety Concerns

As countries around the world are stepping back from certain technologies over safety concerns, Malaysia is making headlines with its decision to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2025. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook explained that these vehicles pose safety risks as their NGV tanks reach the end of their 15-year service life, increasing the chance of dangerous explosions. This bold move is about protecting public safety, and it raises an important question for us here in Nigeria: should we be so quick to adopt technologies that others are phasing out?
In Malaysia, only 0.2% of vehicles are CNG-powered, but that small percentage is still enough to prompt a nationwide shift. It makes one wonder—shouldn’t we think twice before diving into technologies that other countries are rejecting for safety or other long-term reasons? As we look toward developing our infrastructure and embracing new technologies, maybe we should take a moment to assess whether these options are safe and sustainable for our unique context.
This isn’t about slowing progress but about being mindful—learning from global experiences to ensure our choices genuinely benefit our communities, without bringing hidden risks down the road.