Latest news with #PenangPort
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt aims for all ports to transition to B20 biodiesel, says Johari
SEPANG: The government is targeting all ports nationwide currently using B10 palm-based biodiesel in their operations to transition to B20 biodiesel, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (pic). The Plantation and Commodities Minister said the initiative would support the country's efforts to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity based on gross domestic product by 45% by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 'In the future, I want to see every port, like Penang Port, Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas Port, Johor Port and Kuantan Port, start using B20 biodiesel in their operations. We are currently collecting statistics, and based on that data, we will be able to determine the operational costs involved,' he told reporters after launching the B20 Use Pilot Project for Ground Service Vehicles and Machinery at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here yesterday, Bernama reported. He said the government had already begun pilot projects for the use of B20 biodiesel in Langkawi, Labuan and Sarawak in 2020, and now at KLIA for ground service vehicles and machinery. Johari said the move is to create a catalyst for national change in the use of green energy. He noted that the initiative not only supports Malaysia's transition towards sustainable energy, but also strengthens the country's position as the world's second largest producer of palm oil, which is committed to responsible and proactive practices. '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,' he said. According to Johari, the project is being implemented through a strategic collaboration between the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Syarikat Teras Kembang Sdn Bhd. He said PETRONAS Dagangan serves as the B20 biodiesel supplier, while MAHB is the airport operator. He added that Syarikat Teras Kembang manages the petrol stations supplying B20 biodiesel to operators of ground service vehicles and machinery at KLIA. 'This launch is a historic milestone as it marks the first time B20 biodiesel has been introduced for the ground service sector or the industrial sector at airports in Malaysia,' he said. B20 is a blend of 20% palm methyl ester (PME) and 80% petroleum diesel. It is seen as contributing to sustainability and reducing the use of fossil-based fuels, as well as reducing the use of GHG that causes global warming.
![[UPDATED] Malaysia backs fast-tracking second phase of Asean power grid](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FBN052506800_1748149211.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Malaysia backs fast-tracking second phase of Asean power grid](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Malaysia backs fast-tracking second phase of Asean power grid
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has backed the fast-tracking of the second phase of the Asean Power Grid (APG), which aims to connect Laos, Cambodia and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. "I agree with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that we should fast track the second phase to benefit Laos, Cambodia and Thailand into northern Malaya and Singapore," Anwar said, adding that the issue will be raised at the upcoming Asean Leaders' Retreat. Anwar said this after holding a bilateral meeting with Siphandone. The prime minister outlined other key initiatives discussed with his counterpart, including the Perlis Inland Port and Thanaleng Dry Port in Laos, which he said were progressing well and would be operational this year. "We're expanding the facility and have signed a memorandum of understanding with Penang Port, ensuring that the flow of goods from Penang into Perlis and to the inland port in Thanaleng showcases a very important collaboration," Anwar added. He also highlighted discussions on cooperation on port management, labour, digital development, artificial intelligence, semiconductor industries, rare earth and alternative energy. This includes expanding the KTMB-LNRSE Memorandum of Collaboration on the Asean Express train project, which aims to shorten travel time between member countries and China. Anwar said he and his counterpart also discussed Timor-Leste's accession to Asean, which may take place by October, pending consensus from member states in the upcoming days. Additionally, the two leaders discussed issues concerning Myanmar and the importance of continued humanitarian assistance, and called on all parties to respect the need for peace and a ceasefire, emphasising Asean's Five-Point Consensus. Finally, Anwar confirmed plans for future working visits by the Laos prime minister to further boost bilateral ties and private sector collaboration. This morning, Siphandone and his delegation were given an official welcome by Anwar and senior Malaysian officials at Perdana Putra. His visit preceded the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang has no plans to gazette Middle Bank marine sanctuary, says exco rep
GEORGE TOWN: The state government does not plan to gazette the Middle Bank marine sanctuary, says Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H'ng Mooi Lye. H'ng said the Middle Bank cannot be gazetted as this will turn it into an environmentally sensitive area. 'Any projects that are being implemented within a 500m radius from an environmentally sensitive area will require the Second Schedule of the Environmental Impact Assessment report. "This will impact planned projects near the gazetted area and this could impact the Penang Port expansion project," he told reporters at the state assembly in George Town, Penang on Wednesday (May 21). H'ng was clarifying his reply to a written question by Lee Khai Loon (PH - Machang Bubuk) at the state assembly on the rehabilitation of the Jelutong landfill project that involved reclaiming 28.3ha from the sea and the implications of the project on the Middle Bank. H'ng, in his written reply, said the state had to approve the 28.3ha reclamation project to be turned into a work platform during rehabilitation works on the landfill. 'The Jelutong landfill is unsafe because it has long been an open dumping ground,' he said. Lee had further asked if the state has an exit clause if the rehabilitation project fails. H'ng said the joint development agreement will have to be cancelled if the project failed to proceed. 'A new tender will be reopened following Request for Proposal (RFP) or open tender procurement procedures. "There is a risk of claims and legal action by the developer against the state government and Penang Development Corporation as well. "A new developer will not be able to take over work at the site until legal procedures are completed and this may take between three to five years," he said. In March (2025), Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the proposed land reclamation off Karpal Singh Drive and the rehabilitation of the adjacent Jelutong landfill will strictly avoid encroaching into the ecologically sensitive Middle Bank marine sanctuary. "The state will take steps to prevent disruption from the reclamation project, which will extend from Karpal Singh Drive, adjacent to the 36ha Jelutong landfill site that has been operating since the 1990s. "Rehabilitation will involve excavating millions of cubic meters of waste, with recyclables to be processed while residuals will be relocated to Pulau Burung on the mainland. "Post-rehabilitation, the area will transition into a mixed-development zone, with 20–30% of the reclaimed land allocated to the state," he said. Chow said that the RM1bil project, a collaboration between Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PLB Engineering Bhd, is awaiting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Environment Department (DOE). Spanning approximately 10 square kilometers (1,562.49ha) in the South Channel between Penang Island and the mainland, the Middle Bank sanctuary is a linchpin of marine biodiversity in the Straits of Malacca. It hosts the region's only extensive seagrass bed, a critical ecosystem that supports over 429 documented species of flora and fauna. Among these are seven species of seagrass, which form underwater meadows vital for carbon sequestration, coastal protection and nurturing juvenile marine life. The sanctuary's rich biodiversity also includes endangered green turtles and dugongs, which rely on seagrass as their primary food source.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Port And BKH ICD Collaborate To Boost Cross-border Trade In Northern Malaysia
REGION - NORTHERN > NEWS GEORGE TOWN, May 21 (Bernama) -- Bukit Kayu Hitam ICD Sdn Bhd (BKH ICD) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of Northern Malaysia's trade ecosystem. In a statement today, Penang Port said the MoU signed on May 14, signals a firm commitment by two key players in the region's logistics network to drive progress and unlock new opportunities. "The MoU outlines the commitment between BKH ICD, a respected facilitator of cross-border trade at the Malaysian-Thailand border, and Penang Port, the gateway port in the northern region, to collaborate effectively. bootstrap slideshow "Their goal is to leverage their respective strengths and expertise, honed through years of successful operations, to improve the flow of goods, streamline processes and ultimately deliver greater value to businesses operating in and passing through Northern Malaysia," the statement said. Penang Port said BKH ICD has built a reputation as key enabler of international trade, offering customs-controlled storage, efficient container handling, and comprehensive warehousing solutions at the Bukit Kayu Hitam gateway. According to the statement, the two parties aim to create a more integrated and responsive logistics value chain by fostering closer collaboration. "The anticipated benefits include shorter transit times, improved operational efficiency, and the development of innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the trade community," it said. Penang Port said the MoU also lays the groundwork for future collaboration and mutual development, reflecting a commitment to open dialogue and the exchange of best practices, while both parties retain their independence and ability to pursue separate partnerships. 'It further underscores a shared vision for a more streamlined and interconnected logistics framework in Northern Malaysia, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth,' it added.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
No plans to gazette Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, says Penang govt
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has no plans to gazette the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, citing potential complications for ongoing and future development projects in the area. State Local Government Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye (DAP - Jawi) said designating the Middle Bank as an environmentally sensitive area would trigger stricter regulations, including the need for a Second Schedule Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for any project within a 500m radius. "This will affect several planned projects nearby, including the Penang Port expansion," he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PKR - Machang Bubuk) at the ongoing state legislative assembly sitting. Lee had asked about the implications of the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project on the Middle Bank. He questioned whether the state had an exit strategy in case the project fails. Penang had approved the reclamation of 70 acres of sea near the Jelutong landfill to serve as a work platform for a RM1 billion rehabilitation effort. In March, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had reassured the public that the proposed land reclamation project near Karpal Singh Drive and the restoration works at the Jelutong landfill would not encroach upon the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary. He said that the state government had taken precautions to ensure the proposed development would not affect the sanctuary. H'ng said the landfill, once an open dumping ground, posed serious safety risks. H'ng also confirmed that the joint development agreement would be cancelled if the project could not proceed. He, however, cautioned that a new developer could only be appointed after a legal process lasting three to five years, with the risk of claims or legal action from the existing developer. The Middle Bank, located in the South Channel between Penang island and the mainland, spans approximately 10 sq km and hosts the only seagrass bed in the Strait of Malacca. A study has identified 429 species of flora and fauna in the area, including marine mammals, birds, turtles, and fish. The landfill rehabilitation has yet to begin and is pending EIA approval from the Department of Environment (DoE), which issued a public notice on the project in February. The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) signed the agreement for the project with PLB Engineering Bhd in 2020. Project Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee chairperson AD Chandrasekaran had recently expressed concerns based on scientific evidence suggesting that the Middle Bank's marine ecosystem could be harmed by the project.
