KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 4): Malaysia has postponed requiring international flights departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to use 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to 2030. 

The Plantation and Commodities Ministry said the decision was made following discussions with the Transport Ministry and would give more time to industry players to prepare their operations.   

The postponement will also give the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) more time to develop a regulatory framework to ensure the mandate can be implemented effectively. 

The ministry said the government remains committed to developing Malaysia SAF’s industry as part of its sustainable energy transition. 

Malaysia began commercial SAF production in October 2025 through EcoCeres plant in Johor, which has a licensed capacity of 420,000 metric tonnes annually. 

Meanwhile, the PETRONAS-Enilive-Euglena biorefinery in Pengerang is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2028, with an annual processing capacity of 650,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Malaysia initially planned to mandate the 1% SAF blend from January 2027. 

SAF is made from renewable hydrocarbon sources such as agriculture waste, used oils and alcohols, and is  touted as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

However, the production of SAF is still higher than conventional aviation fuel.