Malaysia to use B20 biodiesel in ports to cut greenhouse gas and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
Photo: Freepik/tawatchai07(for illustration purposes only)
SEPANG: Malaysia is ramping up its green efforts by switching from B10 palm-based biodiesel in its port operations to B20 biodiesel as part of a broader plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Bernama reported, citing Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Mr Johari said the government is targeting nationwide implementation, urging major ports including Penang Port, Port Klang, Johor Port, Tanjung Pelepas Port, and Kuantan Port to start using B20 biodiesel in their operations.
Currently, Malaysian ports are using B10, a mixture of 10% palm-based biodiesel . B20, a blend of 20% palm-based methyl ester (PME) and 80% petroleum diesel, helps the environment by reducing the use of fossil-based fuels and lowering GHG emissions that contribute to global warming.
After the launch of the B20 Use Pilot Project for Ground Service Vehicles and Machinery at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Mr Johari told reporters that data are being collected to determine operational costs before full-scale implementation. Pilot projects have already been rolled out in Langkawi, Labuan, and Sarawak since 2020, and now KLIA, for its ground service vehicles and machinery. See also Najib named in 1MDB lawsuit
' This is one of the government's key initiatives because we've made a commitment to the world that we intend to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,' Mr Johari said, adding that the move also strengthens Malaysia's position as the world's second-largest producer of palm oil.
He said the project is a joint effort by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), and Syarikat Teras Kembang Sdn Bhd. Petronas is supplying the B20 biodiesel, MAHB is running airport operations, and Syarikat Teras Kembang is in charge of supplying B20 to ground service vehicle operators and machinery at KLIA.
Mr Johari called the launch a 'historic milestone', saying it marks the first time B20 biodiesel is being used in the ground service or industrial sector at Malaysian airports. /TISG
Read also: Green promises, grey realities: Is Singapore's sustainability agenda working?
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Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are now freed from Cabinet collective responsibility that conventionally requires ministers to publicly support government decisions even if they personally disagree. They can now openly critique key government policies, which will be a direct aim at Anwar as prime minister. As MPs, they retain parliamentary platforms to voice dissent, potentially rallying Anwar's detractors within PKR. This internal discord comes at a precarious time. The Sabah state election is due in the next six months and PKR's weak presence in the East Malaysian state can easily be undermined by federal-level divisions. The 16th General Election (GE16) is due by 2027. Failure to unify PKR and achieve a strong electoral performance could place the blame squarely on Anwar, particularly for his support of Nurul Izzah in taking over as number two causing party turbulence. The most severe risk would be the potential departure of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi from PKR, along with their reformist supporters. Rafizi, in particular, commands significant loyalty among the party's 'reformasi' base, and his exit could destabilise PKR, reminiscent of Azmin Ali's defection during the Sheraton Move in 2020. ANWAR'S STRATEGIC OPTIONS Anwar must act swiftly to contain the fallout if he is to avoid crisis. Offering Rafizi and Nik Nazmi senior roles within the party, government or government-linked companies could signal reconciliation. Party insiders think this is likely: Appointing Rafizi to a non-elected position poses less risk within PKR. Time is critical; prolonged tensions could prompt Rafizi's supporters to voice dissent through public channels, further eroding party unity and damaging PKR's public reputation. If Rafizi declines, he could return to his advocacy work through organisations he co-founded like the National Oversight and Whistleblowers Centre (NOW) and Invoke Malaysia, focusing on transparency, anti-corruption and economic justice. As the MP for Pandan, he retains a parliamentary platform to voice his opinion, potentially positioning himself as the comeback kid. Anwar Ibrahim faces a critical juncture in his leadership of PKR and Malaysia. The resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, coupled with allegations of nepotism, threaten to fracture PKR and erode public trust in the PH coalition. Anwar's ability to navigate this crisis will determine whether he can stabilise PKR in time for GE16. Failure to do so risks empowering Rafizi as a formidable foe outside the party's inner circle, who could make a comeback at Anwar's political expense. Will PKR's reformist vision falter under the weight of familial politics? The coming weeks will tell if reformasi (reform), Anwar and PKR's tagline, will end up reformati (dead reform).
