Biotech Updates

Biodiesel Program in Malaysia Faces Delay

February 12, 2010
http://www.bic.org.my/?action=news&do=display&go=Policy&id=290110Star-0

The Malaysian Biotechnology Information Center reports that there have been delays in selling biodiesel nationwide in Malaysia . However, Malaysia is still committed to this initiative and the mandatory biodiesel blending programme might be deferred to next year. The B5 biodiesel which is a mixture of 5% palm oil and 95% diesel will be initially sold in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Johor sometime this year. Due to the high palm oil price, only seven biodiesel plants are in operation out of the 91 approved license holders. The biodiesel plants which are in operation are in Pasir Gudang, Kuantan, Lumut and Lahad Datu. Biodiesel is expected to cost an additional 4-5 cents per liter due to blending and transportation cost. Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the government might reduce biodiesel blend mandate to B3 to save on subsidies..