Latest news with #MohamadHelmyOthmanBasha
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Malaysia expands biodiesel usage of B10 to B20 on ground transport vehicles at main airport
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Reuters) - Malaysia is expanding its biodiesel usage to ground transport vehicles at its main international airport as part of efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the commodities minister said on Thursday. Malaysia will increase the biodiesel blend from B10, a mixture of 10% palm-based biodiesel, to B20, for ground transport vehicles, Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani told a press conference after the launch of the biodiesel pilot project. Malaysia currently imposes a 10% biodiesel mandate nationwide, though a 20% biodiesel mandate is implemented in Labuan and Langkawi as well as the state of Sarawak, except Bintulu. Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, has launched the mandatory B40 biodiesel programme and is considering expansion to B50. 'If this pilot project succeeds, we will roll it out (to other sectors) as this is one of the country's initiatives and our commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,' he said, without providing a timeline for the project's duration. Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said similar pilot projects were also being implemented at several major ports such as in North Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas Port, Johor Port, and Kuching Port. The usage of palm biodiesel, Mohamad Helmy said, would not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also empower small palm oil farmers and local communities involved in the industry. "This is proof that sustainable development and the economy can go hand in hand, benefiting both the people and the environment simultaneously," he said at the launch.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
EcoWorld, SD Guthrie officially begin development of industrial park
PETALING JAYA: Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld), SD Guthrie Bhd (previously Sime Darby Plantation Bhd ), and NS Corporation Sdn Bhd (NS Corp) have formalised a shareholders agreement yesterday to launch the development of Eco Business Park 7 (EBP 7) in Negeri Sembilan. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 18, 2024, and a sales and purchase agreement (SPA) finalised on April 18, this year. The agreement establishes Eco Business Park 7 Sdn Bhd as the entity overseeing the project, with EcoWorld holding a 55% stake, SD Guthrie Land Ventures Sdn Bhd (a fully owned subsidiary of SD Guthrie) owning 30%, and NS Corp holding the remaining 15%. Eco World Project Management Sdn Bhd, another EcoWorld subsidiary, will manage the development. The development of EBP 7 involves acquiring 1,195 acres of freehold land in Mukim Jimah, Port Dickson, within Parcel C of Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0), a key economic corridor in western Peninsular Malaysia. In a filing to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, SD Guthrie reiterated that the project aims to create an integrated industrial park with commercial hubs, boasting an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM2.95bil, featuring industrial lots, pre-built factories, and commercial spaces targeting sectors like aerospace, electrical and electronics, logistics, and biotechnology. 'The industrial hub will offer access to a proposed Nilai-Labu Expressway that will enhance connectivity to major hubs such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Port Klang, Nilai, and the west coast via the PLUS Highway, offering connectivity and logistical advantages that are conducive for business growth,' the filing read. MVV 2.0, launched in December 2018, spans 380,000 acres across Seremban and Port Dickson, divided into six parcels (A-F), and aims to support Greater Kuala Lumpur's growth. EBP 7 aligns with this vision by promoting sustainable development, attracting local and foreign investments, creating high-value jobs, and boosting Negeri Sembilan's economy. SD Guthrie said the project, expected to unfold over nine years, supports national initiatives like the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). The partnership leverages SD Guthrie's extensive land assets, EcoWorld's expertise in industrial park development, and NS Corp's role as MVV 2.0's state-appointed coordinator. The project highlights the diversification of SD Guthrie - a major Malaysian landowner with 16 estates, three palm oil mills, and two biogas plants in Negeri Sembilan - into industrial parks and renewable energy. Meanwhile, EcoWorld, with a 9,825-acre landbank and a RM90bil GDV portfolio, has a strong track record in industrial projects, with 2,415 acres dedicated to such parks and 90% of its developments green-accredited. The tripartite agreement was signed on April 18 by SD Guthrie group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, EcoWorld president and chief executive (CEO) Datuk Chang Khim Wah, and NS Corp CEO Norazhar Musa, witnessed by notable figures including Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, who also chairs NS Corp.
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
SD Guthrie's Q1 net profit soars to RM567mil on strong upstream performance
KUALA LUMPUR: SD Guthrie Bhd's net profit more than doubled to RM567 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q1 2025) from RM211 million in Q1 2024 backed by robust performance of the upstream segment. Revenue for the period climbed 11 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to RM4.82 billion compared to RM4.34 billion a year ago. The upstream segment gained from higher YoY average realised crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel prices, as well as increased fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production. The group's realised CPO prices averaged RM4,576 per tonne, an increase of 18 per cent, while palm kernel prices jumped 72 per cent to RM3,342 per tonne. It noted that FFB production in the group's Indonesian operations rose 11 per cent, while production in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands improved by 10 per cent, cushioning the seven per cent decline in the Malaysian operations. Meanwhile, the group's downstream arm SD Guthrie International (SDGI) logged a lower pre-tax profit of RM76 million in the quarter, down 37 per cent YoY. SDGI was impacted by lower margins in the bulk and differentiated product segments, as well as weaker demand in its European and trading operations. This was partially mitigated by better performance and higher profits from its Asia Pacific operations. SD Guthrie chairman Tan Sri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani said the group will remain cautious over the short and medium term amid the uncertain operating environment due to persistent inflationary pressures fuelled by volatile monetary and trade policies, as well as continuing geopolitical tensions. "Despite this, I firmly believe the group has the necessary resilience and capability to face headwinds, just as we have in the past, underscoring the wealth of experience and unwavering commitment of our management and employees," he said in a statement. Moving forward, the group remains focused and resilient in delivering its performance this year. CPO price is expected to soften in the near term mainly due to a rebound in palm oil production as a result of improved weather conditions. Additionally, demand from biodiesel blending is expected to weaken given the current low crude oil price environment. "As the year progresses, we are cognisant of prevailing economic and geopolitical conditions that may require strategic shifts to keep the group on track for a strong 2025. "On a positive note, our industrial park growth pillar has attained a noteworthy milestone with the recent signing of a tripartite agreement for the development of the group's prime land in Bukit Pelandok, Negeri Sembilan, within the country's Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 growth area," said group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
SD Guthrie's 1Q net profit leaps to RM567mil
SD Guthrie group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha KUALA LUMPUR: SD Guthrie Bhd, formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation Bhd , delivered a strong first-quarter (1QFY25) result on the back of improved contribution from the upstream segment. The plantations firm said its quarterly net profit more than doubled to RM567mil from RM211mil in the year-ago quarter, bringing earnings per share to 8.2 sen from 3.1 sen previously. Quarterly revenue climbed to RM4.82bil from RM4.34bil in the comparative quarter. In a statement, SD Guthrie said the upstream segment benefited from higher average realised crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK) prices and increased fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production. "The group's realised CPO and PK prices averaged RM4,576 and RM3,342 per metric tonne (MT) respectively, a corresponding increase of 18% and 72%. "FFB production in the group's Indonesian operations rose 11% while production in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands improved by 10%, cushioning the 7% decline in the Group's Malaysian operations," it said. Meanwhile, SD Guthrie International (SDGI), the group's downstream arm recorded a lower 1QFY25 profit before interest and tax (PBIT) of RM76mil, which was 37% lower than in the year-ago quarter. SDGI registered lower margins in the bulk and differentiated product segments, as well as weaker demand in its European and trading operations. 'The group kicked off the year on a strong note, as reflected by our solid performance, driven by ongoing efforts to enhance operational excellence. "As the year progresses, we are cognisant of prevailing economic and geo-political conditions that may require strategic shifts to keep the Group on track for a strong FY2025," said group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha. On outlook, SD Guthrie said the price of CPO is expected to soften in the near-term mainly due to a rebound in palm oil production as a result of improved weather conditions. Furthermore, demand from biodiesel blending is expected to weaken given the current low crude oil price environment. Commenting on the global trade tariffs situation, the group said it has created price uncertainty, while the potential disruption in the global supply chain could further lead to an overall increase in operational costs. The group expects modest improvement in FFB production, driven by its ongoing operational excellence and yield-enhancing initiatives. Meanwhile, it believes that there are opportunities to expand its downstream footprint and remains committed to pursuing growth opportunities surrounding its new business pillars of industrial park development and renewable energy. "The group remains focused and resilient in delivering its performance in FY25 and maintains a cautious outlook on the back of a challenging and unpredictable environment," it added.
Sinar Daily
06-05-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
SD Guthrie marks historic tariff-free sustainable palm oil shipment to UK under CPTPP
A total of 8,000 metric tonnes of fully traceable and segregated CSPO, produced entirely from SD Guthrie's supply chain in Sabah, arrived at the company's Liverpool refinery on April 4. SD Guthrie Berhad group managing director,Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha (centre, sixth from right) celebrates the departure of the first tariff-free palm oil shipment under the CPTPP agreement from Kunak Port, together with the company's senior upstream operations management team in Sabah. United Kingdom's SD Guthrie International Liverpool Refinery manufacturing operations manager Tim Pemberton (fourth from right) dressed in traditional Malay attire, celebrates the arrival of the first tariff-free palm oil shipment from Malaysia to the UK under the CPTPP agreement together with the workers at the refinery. SHAH ALAM - SD Guthrie Berhad has achieved a major milestone in international trade and sustainable agriculture, following the arrival of its first-ever tariff-free shipment of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil-certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) into the United Kingdom under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). A total of 8,000 metric tonnes of fully traceable and segregated CSPO, produced entirely from SD Guthrie's supply chain in Sabah, arrived at the company's Liverpool refinery on April 4. Describing the shipment as a proud moment for the company, SD Guthrie's Group Managing Director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said the delivery marked a key chapter in strengthening Malaysia–UK trade ties and demonstrated the company's capability to supply top-quality, sustainable palm oil at scale. 'This milestone highlights not only the strength of Malaysia–UK trade relations but also SD Guthrie's strong commitment to ensure quality, traceability and security of sustainable palm oil supply to our discerning customers in the UK,' he said. The cargo, transported aboard the Dolphin 19 from Kunak Port, Sabah, was shipped on Feb 19 and underwent rigorous testing to ensure minimal levels of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), reinforcing its commitment to food safety and quality. The CPTPP, a high-standard free trade agreement among 11 Pacific Rim nations including Malaysia, came into full effect for the UK on 15 December 2024. As part of the deal, tariffs previously ranging between 2% and 10% on Malaysian palm oil products entering the UK were removed, providing a significant boost to exporters like SD Guthrie. While SD Guthrie's UK-bound supply has traditionally been sourced from its operations in Papua New Guinea, the Sabah-origin shipment reinforces the company's capacity to diversify supply points while maintaining consistent standards. 'Depending on market conditions and customer requirements, we can offer customers the security of supply they need to run their businesses, from Malaysia or PNG,' Helmy added. SD Guthrie's Liverpool refinery plays a vital role in the UK's food industry, supplying approximately 50 to 55 per cent of the nation's palm oil demand. Its products are used widely, from deep fryers in traditional fish-and-chip shops to ingredients in baked goods and iconic British confectionery. Crucially, the consignment's traceability guarantees that every drop of palm oil can be traced back to specific estates and mills within SD Guthrie's Sabah operations. The segregated CSPO supply chain ensures the oil remains uncontaminated by conventionally produced palm oil throughout its journey, from plantation to refinery. More Like This
