Penang oil wastes a cleaner alternative to help power up jets

The Star

17-07-2025

GEORGE TOWN: In a significant environmental initiative, Penang has transformed the way used cooking oil (UCO) is managed, converting what was once waste into valuable jet fuel.
Last year, UCO collectors gathered enough oil to fill three tanker lorries, preventing it from pollu­ting the sea and setting a benchmark in sustainability with the help of major players like PETRO­NAS and a network of community collection points.
In collaboration with PETRO­NAS, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) orchestrated the collection of 19,754.45kg of UCO from public stations and 7,332.65kg from schools on the island and mainland.
By June this year, 18,950.72kg had already been amassed from public collection points, with PETRONAS purchasing the oil at RM3 per kg.
These figures exclude UCO collected by private companies from commercial establishments such as restaurants and hotels, indica­ting a broader impact.
'Our data shows an encoura­ging increase in people selling their used cooking oil,' said Xavier Sebastian, MBPP's executive officer for corporate communications and public relations.
'More people are recognising the environmental benefits and financial incentives. Recycling UCO can reduce pollution and protect waterways and drainage systems.
'The initiative is particularly impactful in schools, where students receive hands-on environmental education, and the wider community becomes aware of the harm this waste can cause if improperly disposed of.'
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajen­dran highlighted that the initiative has led to fewer instances of clogged drains due to improper oil disposal.
'The open market system permits any licensed company to collect waste, including UCO,' he explained. 'Businesses must not simply pour used oil down the sink or into drains. They are required to have grease traps and authorised agents like PETRONAS purchase the oil at RM3 per kg.'
Josephine Tan, general mana­ger of the Penang Green Council (PGC), emphasised the council's role in supporting the initiative through public education, stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns.
'What makes the initiative more significant is that the collected UCO is recycled into Sus­tai­nable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel,' she said.
'SAF contributes to global decarbonisation goals by reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector – one of the most challenging industries to decarbonise.
'By promoting responsible disposal and circular solutions like SAF production, Penang is taking meaningful steps toward climate action and sustainable living.'
Tan added that the PGC is working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to expand these efforts, aiming for a cleaner, greener future for Penang.