Public Perception and Acceptance of Diesel-Powered Passenger Cars in Malaysia: An Initial Study

Globally, the transport sector consumes the biggest share of the fuel supply. Common fuels used in the transport sector are petrol and diesel. Diesel engines have been proven to be more advantageous over gasoline engines, in the aspects of fuel efficiency and engine reliability. The use of diesel passenger cars is very popular in European countries compared to Malaysia. A wider use of diesel-powered cars in Malaysia may benefit the car users, government and the country. The study of the causes of the low percentage of diesel-powered car usage in Malaysia was examined in this present study by using the latest data available in the literature, and by conducting a survey to measure the perceptions and views of the Malaysian public towards diesel-powered passenger cars. Results of this study showed that most of the respondents admitted that diesel engines give more savings. However, respondent perception that diesel-powered cars emit noise and high air pollution of the environment is the main reason Malaysians not choosing diesel-powered cars.