Report: RM1.1 Million In Counterfeit Engine Lubricants Seized Since 2019

Are you certain your engine lubricant is legitimate? (Image: JM Motor Services)

According to a recent report by The Star, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has seized no less than RM1.1 million worth of fake and counterfeit engine lubricants from the local market. This was reportedly achieved through 33 raids conducted by the ministry since 2019 until May this year.

“Raids were conducted based on reports that also include complaints from officials representing the engine oil companies,” said the ministry’s director-general (enforcement), Datuk Azman Adam, to the local news daily regarding said effort.

Up to RM1.1 million worth of fakes were seized by KPDN through 33 raids since 2019 until May this year. (Image for illustration only)

Datuk Azman noted complaints were lodged for products sold on both e-commerce platforms and physical store fronts alike. He further noted that action taken by the ministry came under the Trademarks Act 2019 where complainants conducted their own verification before reporting to the ministry.

Worryingly, the majority of these complaints were from the greater Klang Valley area. While the ministry has committed to continue monitoring the situation and work with engine lubricant brands on the matter, we at CariCarz.com would like to remind you to wary of fakes and counterfeits as such.

Engine lubricant is essential to keep any internal combustion engine working at optimum level. Besides reducing friction, it also helps to cool and clean the engine, thus making it vital.

By using fake engine lubricants, you risk damaging your engine, as well as your safety on the road.

For any internal combustion engine, engine lubricant somewhat mirrors what blood is to the human body. Besides reducing friction for various vital components to operate efficiently, engine lubricant also doubles to cool and clean the engine.

using fake engine lubricants can both seriously harm your car, as well as your safety. Fakes can cause overheating, contamination of vital components, as well as component failures or worse – seizing your engine. Also, all of which can happen without warning whilst you’re in the midst of driving.

Exercise caution whenever you purchase engine lubricants online. Stick to official or verified sellers. If the price sounds too good to be true, it usually is. (Image: Shopee and Lazada screenshots.)

Despite the best efforts of the authorities and leading lubricant brand producers, counterfeits and fakes are still prevalent, especially in our sunny side of the world. The best way to curb the spread of fakes start from you, the consumer, and it only requires a few simple practices.

Firstly, always purchase your engine lubricant products from authorised, trusted, and established fronts – both online and physical stores, petrol stations, or workshops. Secondly, always inspect the product and verify its authenticity by checking labels, holographic marks, or scan QR codes or via a dedicated app.

Leading brands such as Shell lets you easily verify any product's authenticity through special QR codes on their product labels.

Next, just remember that if any offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Do not be fooled by massive discounts or price cuts, especially when shopping online. If possible, avoid online or physical purchases from unverified third parties or resellers.

If you happen to know of any irresponsible stores or parties openly flogging fakes, you can lodge a report directly to KPDN via its dedicated eAduan online complaint portal.