KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Malaysia is expected to begin domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by year end, with the start of commercial operations by Ecoceres Renewable Fuels Sdn Bhd in Tanjung Langsat, Johor, said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
He added that the ministry is also taking various measures to develop an SAF ecosystem in the country.
Among them is the facilitation of licensing under the Malaysian Biofuel Industry Act 2007 for the development of SAF production plants, as well as supporting related infrastructure such as storage, blending, transportation and distribution.
Chan added that the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) is preparing an SAF production strategy document, which will outline a strategic plan encompassing feedstock availability assessments and awareness campaigns on used cooking oil collection through collaboration with industry players and communities.
“The ministry is also drafting a proposal to introduce a one per cent SAF blending mandate for international flights departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport starting January 2027.
“Implementation details are being finalised with industry and other stakeholders,” Chan said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.
He made this statement in response to a question from Senator Che Alias Hamid, who inquired about the ministry’s measures to ensure Malaysia becomes a SAF producer by 2027.
He said the National Biofuel Policy is also being reviewed with proposed amendments to include SAF and other second-generation biofuels as strategic components, in line with technological advances and global market demand.
Chan added that the KPK is confident these efforts will strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading regional SAF producer and exporter, while creating new opportunities for the country’s agricommodity sector.
