Kuala lumpur: Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir is set to conduct a working site visit in Selangor this Saturday to evaluate the raw inputs used in the biodiesel blending process. This visit aligns with the government's recent decision to increase Malaysia's biodiesel blend rate, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the country's energy sustainability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister and MADANI Government spokesman, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, announced the visit during a global energy crisis briefing and post-Cabinet meeting press conference. He highlighted that Akmal Nasrullah will be visiting KL-Kepong Oleomas Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, which is among the world's largest plantation companies. The visit is intended to provide insights into the biodiesel blending process and evaluate the raw materials involved.

Fahmi further noted that during the Cabinet meeting, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad reported that facilities capable of implementing biodiesel up to B20 are already operational across Sarawak, except in Bintulu, and are also available in Labuan and Langkawi, Kedah. This infrastructure supports the government's initiative to gradually increase the biodiesel blend rate.

The Malaysian government has recently agreed to raise the biodiesel blend rate from B10 to B15, beginning with B12. This adjustment, which comes at no additional cost, is a response to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Akmal Nasrullah emphasized that this measure is designed to prolong the availability of diesel supply within the country, thereby reducing dependency on fossil fuel imports and external markets. He also mentioned that economic restructuring efforts can be expedited through the transition to renewable energy sources.