Malaysia to Launch National Biodiesel Trial 1 Jan 06

27 November 2005

New Straits Times. Starting 1 Jan 2006, diesel-powered public transport vehicles and army trucks and the plantation industry will be the first in Malaysia to use a B5 palm oil biodiesel blend on a trial basis.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said biodiesel would make its debut in sectors under the purview of his ministry and two others—Defense and Transport.

“Next year will be a trial period to identify any teething problems,” Chin said recently at the sidelines of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board’s staff appreciation ceremony.

Chin also clarified that biofuel would be ready for public use from Jan 1, 2007 and not Jan 1, next year as reported by a daily recently.

During the trial, biodiesel will be used in public buses, taxis, army trucks and four-wheel-drives while oil palm millers will feed their generators with biofuel.

The Government unveiled the National Biofuel Policy three months ago. By exporting 750,000 tonnes of biodiesel a year, Malaysia stands to earn RM1.7 billion (US$449 million) annually.