Malaysia on track to produce one mil tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by 2028 — minister

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): Malaysia is expected to produce one million metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2028, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said.

He said the output will come from two domestic SAF production facilities, including one currently under development by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS).

“Malaysia already has a SAF plant with an annual capacity of 350,000 metric tons operated by Hong Kong-based EcoCeres, while PETRONAS is building a facility with capacity of 650,000 metric tons.

“Once both plants are completed in 2028, total SAF production capacity will reach one million metric tons,” Johari told the Dewan Negara during a question-and-answer session.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid on the government’s plans to ensure a stable supply of feedstock to support SAF production.

To secure raw materials in the longer term, Johari said the government would halt exports of used cooking oil and adopt a circular economy approach in plantation activities to ensure sufficient supply.

Separately, he said the government had introduced measures to attract investment into the SAF industry, including streamlining approvals for plant construction licences, SAF production licences and export permits.

“The government will continue to assist and facilitate industry players interested in operating in Malaysia.

“These measures send a clear signal of the government’s full support for investors seeking to enter the SAF industry," he added.