Government Assures Motorists Biodiesel B15 Is Safe and Compatible with Existing Diesel Engines
PUTRAJAYA: Diesel vehicle owners have been encouraged to embrace the newly implemented Biodiesel B15 programme, with the government assuring motorists that the fuel is fully compatible with existing diesel engines and supports the nation’s sustainability goals.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad said Biodiesel B15 represents the next phase of Malaysia’s long-running biodiesel initiative, following the successful implementation of B5, B7 and B10 blends in previous years.
According to her, the transition to a higher biodiesel blend has been carefully planned and is expected to deliver environmental and economic benefits without affecting vehicle performance.
“Consumers should not be concerned about using Biodiesel B15. Biodiesel has already been used in Malaysia for many years, and this latest move is simply an enhancement of the existing programme,” she said after visiting the Klang Valley Distribution Terminal (KVDT) in Putrajaya.
Noraini explained that extensive industry experience has demonstrated the compatibility of biodiesel blends with diesel-powered vehicles currently operating on Malaysian roads.
She noted that the increased biodiesel content will help reduce carbon emissions while promoting the use of renewable energy sources derived from the country’s palm oil industry.
The minister said the programme is expected to increase domestic consumption of crude palm oil by approximately 801,000 tonnes annually.
Despite the higher domestic demand, she stressed that Malaysia’s export commitments and overall palm oil supply chain would not be adversely affected.
“The country has sufficient production capacity to support both domestic biodiesel requirements and international export demand,” she said.
The higher biodiesel blend will also boost the use of Palm Methyl Ester (PME), a key component produced from locally sourced palm oil, further strengthening demand within the domestic market.
As part of the programme briefing, media representatives were taken on a tour of KVDT facilities to observe the collection, blending and distribution processes involved in producing Biodiesel B15 before it is supplied to fuel stations nationwide.
Malaysia’s National Biodiesel Programme is supported by an extensive network comprising hundreds of palm oil mills, refineries, biodiesel plants and blending depots across the country.
This infrastructure enables the fuel to be distributed efficiently to more than 4,400 petrol stations nationwide.
Noraini said the B15 initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen national energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
She added that the programme aligns with Malaysia’s long-term environmental commitments and efforts to build a lower-carbon economy while continuing to support the country’s vital palm oil sector.
