Malaysian government to discuss B10 implementation with automakers

The Malaysian Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities will be meeting with car manufacturers tomorrow to discuss the implementation of B10 biodiesel.

The Southeast Asian country’s government wanted to introduce 10% palm oil biodiesel already in June, but the decision was delayed due to “inadequate data”, reports The Sun Daily newspaper.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), together with various car makers including BMW Malaysia, Isuzu, Toyota, and Volkswagen have raised concerns about the higher grade biodiesel’s effects on engines.

MAA claims that using B10 may result in fatty-acid methyl esters (FAME) mixing with motor oil, causing the oil to thin and possibly sludging the engine over.

"We understand their concern. Therefore we have planned to have a meeting with them tomorrow to discuss matters pertaining to this issue," said Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

He also said the palm oil council has carried out extensive research and tests show that B10 is safe to use in any vehicle.

According to Mah, the implementation of B10 is significant as it would help reduce the palm oil stockpile in the country and thus help increase the crude palm oil price.

Malaysia has currently set its biodiesel blending mandate at the B7 level.