Jengka: FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) is expanding its Biodiesel B100 (B100) trial to plantation operations to assess the technical performance and feasibility of 100 percent local palm oil-based biodiesel in a real-world operating environment. Its chairman, Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid, said the move reflected FGV's commitment to continue exploring new potential in palm oil through innovation implemented responsibly and based on evidence. He said Malaysia has the strength as one of the world's leading producers of palm oil.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in an increasingly challenging global landscape including uncertainty in the supply chain and energy market, this strategic commodity has great potential to continue contributing to the country's renewable energy agenda and strengthen the competitiveness of the palm oil industry. Abu Huraira said the government's decision to increase the biodiesel blend to B20 also reflected the country's commitment in strengthening the use of renewable energy based on local sources.
"FGV welcomes the aspiration and will continue to play its role through responsible operational assessments to support the development of the country's biofuel industry," he said. He added that the related efforts were not just about assessing the usability of B100, but also reflected FGV's commitment to creating added value from palm oil through innovations that support industrial development, strengthen the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) ecosystem and benefit the settlers.
It is understood that the six-month trial was carried out at the Tun Abdul Razak Agricultural Research Centre (PPPTAR) estate, Jerantut involving about 17 assets including tractors, agricultural machinery, electric generators and four-wheel drive vehicles used in the estate's daily operations. The trial was also carried out in stages with each asset monitored through technical analysis covering fuel consumption, engine performance, operational reliability, maintenance requirements and fuel quality, in addition to all assets undergoing initial inspections to establish a performance baseline.
"Plantation operations were chosen because they offer a more challenging operating environment including continuous use of machinery, diverse terrain conditions, high operating temperatures and different workloads depending on the type of asset. This in turn allows actual operational data to be collected more comprehensively," he said.
The initiative's launch ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in conjunction with the Settlers' Day and 70th Anniversary of FELDA 2026 Celebration at Tun Abdul Razak Stadium, Jengka here today. FGV said the selection of the Settlers' Day and 70th Anniversary of FELDA 2026 Celebration as the launch platform reflects the company's commitment to strengthening the oil palm value chain with the settler community and the supply of fresh fruit bunches (FBTS) from FELDA residents forming the basis for the development of various value-added products including Biodiesel B100.