Dr M: B10 biodiesel programme part of govt efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. -filepic

PUTRAJAYA: The B10 biodiesel programme is part of the government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission by as much as 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly, says the Prime Minister.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the use of the blend of 10% palm methyl ester and 90% petroleum diesel as part of the B10 programme will contribute to reducing the emission of carbon dioxide by 10% per year from the total number of diesel vehicles in the country.

The programme will take effect from Feb 1, 2019.

“The government decided to implement this programme considering the positive impact it has on the palm oil industry as well as on the environment," said Dr Mahathir.

“The implementation of the B10 programme is also timely considering that the price of palm oil is lower compared with the price of diesel petroleum,” he added at the launch of the programme on Tuesday (Dec 11)

The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and biodiversity, despite accusations that the palm oil industry had caused destruction to forests.

He pointed out that 55.3% of the country’s total land area is still covered by forests and jungles, which exceeds the commitment made at the 1992 World Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Dr Mahathir also said that palm oil producing countries’ efforts to come up with renewable energy or biodiesel based on the commodity faces resistance from the international community including the European Union and non-governmental organisations.

“The attacks are part of their strategy to block palm oil from competing in the international market as it is relatively cheaper than other oils and is beneficial to health.

“As the result of continuous attacks, palm oil has been given a bad reputation. To counter this, the government has taken the initiative to come up with certifications but exporting countries continue to come up with restrictions for the commodity,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said the biodiesel programme should be given importance in the National Automotive Policy that is being drafted by the International Trade and Industry Ministry so that in the future, diesel vehicles sold in Malaysia can also be pumped with biodiesel fuel.