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Chinese New Year holiday is just around the corner and an exodus of "balik kampung" folks, holidaymakers and tourists alike are expected to throng the roads soon to their respective destinations across the country. Most travellers will be doing pit stops to rest their weary bodies and refuel their tanks at most petrol stations. Feeling rejuvenated and tanks filled to the brim, these people will excitedly drive off, hoping to make it in time for the much-awaited reunion dinners on Chinese New Year's eve, but wait... Be mindful the next time you stop at a petrol station to refuel.
A Canadian tourist, Leonard experienced a harrowing ordeal minutes after driving off a popular petrol station on the outskirts of Ipoh, no thanks to an unmarked petrol pump. The seasoned traveller was on a joyride across the country in a rented local car and was left stranded by the roadside when the just refuelled car suddenly stalled. After several attempts to restart, Len was left in disbelief when he realised from the receipt that he had poured diesel instead of petrol. Not only was he stranded for four hours to be sent a replacement car from Penang, but the car rental company also slapped him with a RM 1600 vehicle damage bill to repair the car. The outcome of this misadventure certainly put a dent in his travelling plans.
The Canadian was utterly dismayed that he had to undergo this ordeal due to the negligence of the petrol station that did not label the pump accordingly. Because of that, he had innocently refilled from the unmarked pump believing that he was actually pouring petrol. To add to his woes, there was not a single attendant to be seen to assist customers or tourists like him.
The irate Len claimed that this predicament would not arise if he was travelling in the U.S. or other advanced countries because the standard pump colour code would be green for diesel and black for petrol, while in Malaysia and some countries, the opposite occurs (Fuelco).
Car owners who accidentally pump diesel into petrol tanks are advised not to start their car and have it towed immediately and remove the diesel, replacing it with petrol. The second measure which is highly recommended is to get a professional mechanic to flush the entire fuel system (MyTukar).
Whatever is said and done, it is wise to adopt the slow and steady approach and be mindful that the next drivers stop to refuel their tanks. Head to the correct bay and ensure the pumps are clearly marked petrol to be save so as to be able to reach in time for the grand reunion dinner. Happy Gong Xi Fatt Chai everyone.
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