KUALA LUMPUR, May 31: Malaysia will begin introducing B15 biodiesel in Peninsular Malaysia from Monday, marking a significant step in the country’s energy transition amid global supply uncertainties.
The move, announced by the MADANI Government, will see the current B10 blend — 10 per cent palm oil‑based biodiesel and 90 per cent petroleum diesel — gradually raised to B15, which contains 15 per cent palm methyl ester (PME), according to a Bernama report.
Officials stress that most diesel vehicles can use the new blend without engine modifications.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the rollout is part of a staged approach to biodiesel production, designed to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while boosting demand for locally produced palm oil. He noted that palm oil by‑products, such as crude palm oil sludge, could eventually be used to produce biodiesel and aviation fuel, creating new opportunities in the commodity sector.
Zahid also described biodiesel as a potential catalyst for rural development, with agencies such as Felcra, Ketengah and Kesedar expected to play a role in community‑based projects.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the B15 programme will require about 0.8 million tonnes of palm oil annually — well below Malaysia’s domestic surplus of four million tonnes. She assured that exports, which average 16 million tonnes a year, will not be affected.
Prof Dr Hidayah Ariffin of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Biorefinery Complex said wider biodiesel use could help extend Malaysia’s diesel reserves, providing greater supply stability if global energy disruptions linked to conflicts in West Asia continue.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir added that Malaysia’s vehicle standards already allow biodiesel blends of up to B20. He pointed out that B20 has been used in Langkawi, Labuan and Sarawak without major issues, countering concerns about engine compatibility.
Malaysia’s National Biodiesel Programme began with B5 in 2011 and has since expanded to B7, B10 and B20 in stages. The country now has 19 licensed biodiesel plants capable of supporting the B15 rollout and future plans to raise the blend rate to B20, B30 and even B50.
Officials emphasise that biodiesel from renewable sources will help cut greenhouse gas emissions and support Malaysia’s commitment to low‑carbon development. The B15 rollout is seen as both an energy security measure and a milestone in the nation’s sustainable energy journey.
WE