KUALA LUMPUR (April 21): More than 70% of Malaysia’s blending depots are ready to implement the B15 biodiesel mandate using existing facilities, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said on Tuesday.
In a statement, the minister said the government had conducted a series of meetings and site visits to assess industry preparedness for the roll-out of B15, comprising 15% palm oil-based biodiesel and 85% petroleum diesel.
He said blending depots are now planning operational adjustments to ensure efficiency and maintain a stable supply of petroleum products to consumers.
The statement follows the government’s move to gradually raise the biodiesel blend from the current B10 level (10% biodiesel, 90% petroleum diesel), amid energy supply concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East.
“The minister of plantation and commodities and I visited the Klang Valley Distribution Terminal and personally observed the readiness of the biodiesel processing plant in Pulau Indah, Klang. This sends an important message that energy issues can no longer be viewed solely from the perspective of current supply.
“Instead, they must be addressed within a national framework that integrates energy security, the strength of the commodities sector, logistics efficiency, supply chain resilience and the country’s economic sustainability,” he said.
“The visit was crucial as it allowed the government to gain a comprehensive overview of the national biodiesel ecosystem, including feedstock production, blending capacity, facility operations and supply chain resilience,” he added.
In addition, the Economy Ministry and Plantation Ministry are coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to advance the biodiesel agenda, Akmal Nasrullah said.
Earlier this month, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association urged the government to accelerate and expand the nationwide roll-out of higher biodiesel blend programmes for both the transport and industrial sectors.
Compared with regional peers, Indonesia is set to proceed with its B50 roll-out this year, while Thailand is accelerating the adoption of B20 amid rising petroleum diesel prices.