Emission-cheating devices installed in some trucks and buses in S'pore

Some diesel trucks and buses in Singapore have been fitted with devices that override the systems meant to clean up their exhaust emissions, The Straits Times has learnt.

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Popularly known as "defeat devices", they are sold online and allow vehicles to bypass emission standards and, in doing so, spew out high levels of nitrogen oxide - a poisonous greenhouse gas.

Vehicle owners can save thousands of dollars each year by skimping on the exhaust treatment solution, known as AdBlue, which removes nitrogen oxide from a diesel vehicle's exhaust emissions.

At least one local workshop was found to offer an "AdBlue removal service", in addition to freelance mechanics who install such devices for a fee.

In response to queries, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said it does not regulate the use of such cheat devices.

But the agency, which sets vehicle emission standards here, added that it takes a serious view of devices that may bypass the control of pollutant emissions.

NEA also said it will work with inspection centres to monitor the use of such devices and enhance its regulations where necessary.

It is not known how prevalent such devices are in Singapore. They are illegal in most European countries.

Based on data from the Land Transport Authority, there are 172,996 diesel-powered vehicles as at Aug 31. The majority of those that are eight years old or newer would require AdBlue to operate properly.