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Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
SD Guthrie's B30 pilot project to set national benchmark for biodiesel use
by HIDAYATH HISHAM THE launch of Malaysia's first B30 biodiesel pilot project in Carey Island is expected to serve as a national model for reducing carbon emissions and reshaping sustainability standards in the agro-business sector. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the initiative by SD Guthrie Bhd demonstrates how targeted collaboration between government, industry and research institutions can lead to impactful decarbonisation in the palm oil value chain. 'I am confident this B30 pilot project in Carey Island will become a national model for other plantation companies to further reduce carbon emissions and set new benchmarks for the agro-business sector,' he said when officiating the launch at SD Guthrie's Golden Hope Academy today. Johari said the transition to B30 biodiesel — a blend of 30% palm-based biodiesel and 70% petroleum diesel — supports the country's broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The pilot will cover all plantation vehicles and operational machinery at SD Guthrie's Carey Island estates. 'The use of palm biodiesel will not only reduce dependency on fossil fuels but also empower smallholders and local communities involved in palm oil production,' he added. Johari said initiatives like this demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to clean energy as well as improves the reputation of palm oil as a legitimate part of the climate solution. 'It will also continue to show how palm oil can be part of the climate change solution, further strengthening the image and reputation of palm oil globally,' he said. He noted that Malaysia's biodiesel journey began in 2011 with B5, followed by phased expansions to B7, B10 and B20. The B30 pilot now marks the country's most ambitious step forward in palm biodiesel usage. Johari credited the close collaboration between SD Guthrie, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) for bringing the project to fruition. 'This initiative reflects the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysia's palm oil industry through high-impact innovation,' he said. He added that the B30 rollout also provides a blueprint for emission reductions across multiple sectors, aligning plantation decarbonisation efforts with Malaysia's wider energy transition agenda. 'This pilot project is a significant step towards realising the nation's commitment to the global sustainability agenda,' he said. Johari hoped other plantation firms would adopt similar models, not only to improve emissions performance but to prepare Malaysia's palm oil sector for rising sustainability demands from global buyers. Meanwhile, SD Guthrie Group MD Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said the initiative is part of the company's long-term climate strategy and builds on its recent recognition as the world's first palm oil company with net-zero targets validated by the Science-based Targets initiative (SBTi). 'The launch of our B30 biodiesel campaign is an important milestone in SD Guthrie's journey towards net-zero emissions. 'By transitioning our entire fleet of operational machinery in Carey Island to B30, we are not only reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the plantation sector,' he said. The biodiesel, sourced from PDB's Melaka terminal, is expected to reduce GHG emissions by up to 23% per litre compared to conventional diesel. The pilot will also allow engine manufacturers to evaluate long-term technical performance of higher biodiesel blends. Mohamad Helmy said the pilot builds on SD Guthrie's ongoing efforts to mechanise, automate and digitalise its plantation operations. Carey Island currently hosts the company's robotics centre, biodiesel plant and Mechanisation Transformation Unit. 'Carey Island is just the beginning. Our goal is to scale this across all SD Guthrie operations to further reduce our emissions,' he said. He added that the full transition to B30 across all Guthrie estates could reduce CO2 emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually — equivalent to taking nearly 2,000 passenger vehicles off the road. The project also supports Malaysia's aspiration to increase domestic consumption of palm oil, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 'Together with Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and MPOB, we are demonstrating how palm oil can be part of the climate solution, supporting Malaysia's green economy transition while enhancing the efficiency and resilience of our plantations,' he said. Mohamad Helmy acknowledged that B30 carries a higher cost compared to existing biodiesel blends, but said the long-term environmental benefits outweigh short-term cost pressures. Aside from Pulau Carey, SD Guthrie has also started a smaller pilot using B20 at its Seri Pulai estate in Johor.


Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Govt respects court ruling, but warns of legal limits ahead of Turun Anwar protest
by HIDAYATH HISHAM THE government respects the Federal Court's ruling that rally organisers are not required to notify police, effectively allowing the Himpunan Turun Anwar protest to proceed on July 26. However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (picture) stressed that despite parts of the Peaceful Assembly Act being declared unconstitutional, three key restrictions still apply to organisers and participants. 'There are three main prohibitions: No dangerous weapons, no speeches touching on the 3Rs — royalty, religion and race — and no children allowed. 'If these are violated, we will be forced to take action. But don't accuse the police of suppressing freedoms — that would be unfair,' he said at a press conference after the Home Ministry's monthly assembly yesterday. The Turun Anwar protest, organised by Perikatan Nasional (PN), is expected to take place at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and draw over 300,000 people from across the country. The gathering is being promoted as a public manifestation to 'save the country' from what organisers describe as worsening conditions under Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership. Saifuddin acknowledged that the protest would pose logistical challenges for the police but assured that it would be managed professionally. 'The rally has been widely publicised. At the same time, the Federal Court has ruled that organisers don't have to notify the police. 'We cannot override the Federal Court's decision. But the police are still responsible for ensuring public safety. 'If organisers had informed the police, we would know the venue and expected turnout. That would help us deploy the appropriate number of officers — not to obstruct, but to facilitate,' he added. Saifuddin also emphasised that the government does not restrict freedom of expression but insisted that public assemblies must remain within legal boundaries and avoid provoking disorder. Earlier this month, the Federal Court unanimously ruled that penalising rally organisers for failing to provide five days' notice was unconstitutional. The five-judge panel, led by former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, made the ruling in a case involving former Muda secretary-general Amir Hariri Abdul Hadi. Tengku Maimun stated that Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act contravened Articles 8 and 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution. Article 8(1) guarantees equal protection under the law, while Article 10(1)(b) affirms the right to peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) said it would not participate in the protest and called on the government not to interfere. Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Bersih president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz stressed that the right to assemble must not be hindered by government intervention. 'Bersih will not be directly involved in the rally. Let the party organising it handle the event themselves. 'However, we want the government to refrain from obstructing or interfering with the protest. It is a right protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution — the right to peaceful assembly without arms,' he said.


Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia offers to be halal gateway for New Zealand into ASEAN market
by HIDAYATH HISHAM MALAYSIA is prepared to become a distribution and marketing hub for halal products from New Zealand to the wider Southeast Asian region. According to Utusan Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) said this proposal was conveyed during his visit to Wellington, where he invited New Zealand's halal industry players to join the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) this September. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), said the move would help New Zealand tap into ASEAN's halal market, with Malaysia acting as a strategic base. 'While in Wellington, I took the opportunity to push for deeper halal collaboration between Malaysia and New Zealand. My focus was on promoting ASEAN halal products into the Asia-Pacific. 'Currently, two organisations in New Zealand have already received halal certification recognition from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for exports to Malaysia. 'I've now opened the door for them to use Malaysia as a hub for distributing New Zealand's halal products to ASEAN. I've also suggested they take part in MIHAS,' he said during a press conference after the Malaysia–New Zealand Halal Forum. Also present were New Zealand's Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, and Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki. Ahmad Zahid added that Malaysia would use the MIHAS platform to announce the formation of the ASEAN Halal Council, comprising all Southeast Asian nations. He said halal certifying bodies endorsed by Jakim would also be invited to join the ASEAN Halal Plus Council to harmonise regional halal standards. During the forum, Ahmad Zahid witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and the University of Canterbury (UC), aimed at strengthening cooperation in chemical and process engineering, halal food technology, and sustainable development. Ahmad Zahid also dismissed concerns that Jakim's stringent halal procedures would be an obstacle for New Zealand businesses. He explained that Jakim had already authorised two local halal bodies in New Zealand to handle certification, removing the need for companies to go through Jakim directly. 'Jakim will continue periodic audits to ensure compliance with the standards. But I see no issues — I had discussions this morning with the two associations already certified by Jakim and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS),' he said. New Zealand's halal exports to Malaysia surpassed NZ$60 million (RM151 million) last year, driven largely by premium halal meat products.


Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Judicial deadlock to end with Chief Justice appointment today
by HIDAYATH HISHAM THE prolonged impasse over the Chief Justice position is expected to conclude today, as the Conference of Rulers prepares to announce a new appointment. Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had held a lengthy discussion with the Conference yesterday and had left the matter entirely to their discretion. 'After more than 2 1/2 years in office, I have never discussed any case with any judge — not with the Chief Justice, nor with any other judge. 'I firmly uphold the principle of judicial independence. That said, I acknowledge there have been concerns expressed and I have taken note of them,' he said at the International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 yesterday. The position has been vacant since the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on June 30. The delay has raised concerns over possible interference in the judiciary, with the Malaysian Bar staging a march this week to deliver a memorandum urging the government to fill the vacancy and address three other demands. Anwar acknowledged that the controversy stemmed from the prolonged vacancy and public perceptions surrounding judicial appointments. He assured the public that there had been no undue influence and that no controversial names were submitted for consideration. 'I believe my colleagues in the legal field understand that we must act based on law and fact, not perception. 'We leave questions of perception to politicians. Only by doing this can we continue to govern the country effectively. 'God willing, tomorrow (today) there will be an announcement that will dispel all the negative perceptions that have spread,' he said. Anwar added that the Madani government had inherited a system plagued by corruption and weak governance, making institutional reform — including of the judiciary — necessary. He also addressed claims of political pressure influencing judicial matters. 'I hope this will not tarnish the position of the Bar Council, as they are guided by principle. Although I have firmly denied the allegations, some remain unsatisfied, perhaps due to political agendas. '(Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said knows, the Chief Secretary to the Government knows, that no controversial or questionable names were ever submitted to the Yang diPertuan Agong (YDPA) or the Conference of Rulers,' he said. Separately, Azalina said the YDPA is empowered under the Federal Constitution to establish a special tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct involving judges. She said the relevant provisions are outlined under Articles 125(3) and (4), and a judge under investigation may be suspended on the PM's advice, following consultation with the Chief Justice. 'Article 125(3A) also empowers the Chief Justice to refer any ethical breach to the Judicial Ethics Committee established under the Judicial Ethics Committee Act 2010 [Act 703]. 'Meanwhile, Article 125(3B) allows for the formulation of a written code of ethics to uphold high standards of conduct and integrity among judges,' she said in a statement.


Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Permanent posts, better pay key to retaining local doctors
by HIDAYATH HISHAM OFFERING permanent positions and more competitive salaries are among the most effective ways to retain local medical graduates and curb the outflow of healthcare professionals abroad. Former Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the government must ensure that doctors are given opportunities to pursue specialist training — whether in a specific field or as family medicine officers — once they complete their housemanship. 'They must also be offered permanent appointments so that their future in the Health Ministry (MOH) is more secure, instead of being placed on two-year contracts that are renewed periodically. 'I believe the most reasonable and effective approach is to provide a clear career path for medical officers. 'This means that once they finish their housemanship, they should be given room to progress in their careers,' he told Utusan Malaysia. The daily earlier reported that a Singapore-based recruitment agency is actively seeking qualified and experienced Malaysian doctors and nurses, luring them with significantly higher salaries and allowances. The agency is expected to hold an open interview session at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur (KL) next month, advertising an annual package worth up to RM365,106, including housing and various other benefits. Following this development, there have been suggestions for the government to impose new conditions or regulations to bind local medical graduates — particularly those sponsored by public bodies like Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) — to serve in the domestic public health sector. However, Dr Lee said such measures would be less effective without strong career assurances and appropriate compensation. He stressed that incentives such as permanent positions, structured specialisation pathways and competitive remuneration are critical in ensuring medical graduates remain in Malaysia. 'When a graduate receives sponsorship from agencies like Mara or the Public Service Department (JPA), they are bound by contract terms. 'If they choose to resign before completing the required service period, they will be subject to penalties as stipulated in the agreement,' he said.