Malaysia has accelerated its biodiesel transition programme, with the nationwide rollout of B15 biodiesel now underway while several regions have already advanced to the higher B20 blend.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad said Sarawak, except for Bintulu, along with Labuan and Langkawi, have already adopted B20 biodiesel. However, many parts of the country continue to operate under B10 and B12 biodiesel programmes, Dayak Daily reported.
Speaking after inspecting the B15 Biodiesel Distribution Terminal at the Klang Valley Distribution Terminal in Puchong, the minister said the implementation of B15 in Peninsular Malaysia began on June 1 and will be expanded gradually to fuel stations across the country.
She noted that motorists will not face any increase in fuel costs, as the retail price of B15 remains the same as conventional diesel. Noraini also said there is no difference in fuel performance and assured consumers that vehicle compatibility would not be an issue.
According to the minister, biodiesel blends have been used successfully in Malaysia for years through programmes involving B7 and B10 fuels, providing confidence for the transition to higher blending levels.
Noraini also dismissed concerns that increased domestic biodiesel use could affect Malaysia’s palm oil exports. She said nationwide implementation of B15 is expected to utilise around 801 million metric tonnes of crude palm oil annually without disrupting export markets or existing trade conditions.
Malaysia officially began the next phase of its energy transition on June 1 by gradually increasing biodiesel blending from B10 to B15 across Peninsular Malaysia. The programme is being supported through 19 licensed biodiesel production plants operating nationwide.
The government views the initiative as a key step in expanding the use of palm oil-based biofuels while supporting the country’s broader energy transition goals.
