Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is expanding its biodiesel usage to ground transport vehicles at its main international airport as part of efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the commodities minister said on Thursday.
Malaysia will increase the biodiesel blend from B10, a mixture of 10% palm-based biodiesel, to B20, for ground transport vehicles, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani told a press conference after the launch of the biodiesel pilot project.
Malaysia currently imposes a 10% biodiesel mandate nationwide, though a 20% biodiesel mandate is implemented in Labuan and Langkawi as well as the state of Sarawak, except Bintulu. Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, has launched the mandatory B40 biodiesel programme and is considering expansion to B50.
"If this pilot project succeeds, we will roll it out (to other sectors) as this is one of the country’s initiatives and our commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” he said, without providing a timeline for the project’s duration.
Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said similar pilot projects were also being implemented at several major ports such as in North Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas Port, Johor Port, and Kuching Port.
The usage of palm biodiesel, Mohamad Helmy said, would not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also empower small palm oil farmers and local communities involved in the industry.
"This is proof that sustainable development and the economy can go hand in hand, benefiting both the people and the environment simultaneously," he said at the launch. - Reuters
