15/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 15, 2026

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‘Petrol station outages do not point to national supply issue’

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is exploring the potential of palm oil–based biodiesel (B100) not only as a cleaner transport fuel but also as a stabilising force for power generation during fuel price shocks. Taylor’s University engineering expert Assoc Prof Dr Rifqi Irzuan Abdul Jalal said biodiesel could support diesel generator sets and grid support engines, helping protect the electricity grid when high diesel costs strain operating budgets for backup power and remote generation. However, he noted that technical readiness remains a major hurdle as generator engines and components must be tested, validated and certified for B100 to ensure reliability. Without this, the idea of using biodiesel for grid stability cannot be scaled safely. Even if technical readiness improves, supply constraints will ultimately determine feasibility. Meeting meaningful demand could require production capacity to more than double, making yield and efficiency improvements critical. While Rifqi acknowledged efforts by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, he said Malaysia lags behind countries such as China, which have aggressively modernised agriculture through technology, mechanisation and data driven management. He stressed that Malaysia must rely more on technology rather than land expansion to support biodiesel growth. Operational challenges also persist. Palm-based biodiesel has a natural cleaning effect that can benefit engines, but it thickens in colder conditions, potentially causing hard starts or clogged filters in cooler regions. Storage and handling also differ from fossil diesel, requiring stricter quality control and disciplined supply management. These upgrades add cost but are necessary for reliable scaling. Another hurdle is equipment and component readiness. Malaysia’s industry is still largely built around B20 expectations, while wider adoption of B100 requires systematic testing and validation. Components such as seals, fuel systems and after-treatment systems must be proven under local conditions. Rifqi added that coordinated action is necessary, with Original Equipment Manufacturers speeding up certification for B100 use, supported by government incentives for testing and validation. Ultimately, Rifqi argued that biodiesel offers promise as a transitional energy source, but Malaysia must balance technical readiness, supply capacity and food security. Without careful planning, the push for B100 could recreate the same cost of living pressures it seeks to ease. – BY HARITH KAMAL Biodiesel could stabilise grid during fuel price shocks

Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, while KTM Komuter is run by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, making integration financially and operationally complex. At the same time, recurring rail disruptions, particularly on the Kelana Jaya Line, continue to test commuter patience. “No one wants these disruptions to continue, but these are technical issues. I have raised this with Prasarana to ensure such disruptions are minimised.” Acknowledging rising frustration, Loke noted that he shares public concerns and has directed Prasarana to tighten maintenance and address technical weaknesses. “When we encourage the public to use trains, we understand they will question why there are still delays and disruptions. These are not intentional, but they do happen.” Loke said Prasarana has been instructed to strengthen maintenance and give greater attention to technical issues to ensure more reliable services.

continued recording payments despite diesel supplies being exhausted. Investigations found that the station lacked an automatic cutoff system to halt transactions when fuel runs out. Separately, Loke said external pressures could yet test Malaysia’s energy stability, pointing to rising geopolitical tensions following the United States’ move to cordon off the Strait of Hormuz. He said the issue would be tabled at a National Economic Action Council meeting, with the National Security Council expected to assess potential fallout. Pressure is also mounting within the public transport system. Loke ruled out integrating the My50 unlimited travel pass with KTM Komuter services, citing structural and cost disparities between operators. “The systems are different. KTM services cover a much wider, intercity network unlike the more urban-focused LRT and MRT.” He added that LRT, MRT and Monorail services operate under

o Minister attributes shortages to logistical disruptions, delayed deliveries, sudden spikes in demand at certain locations

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

logistical disruptions, delayed deliveries and sudden spikes in demand at certain locations. “There are certain stations where, at times, demand may be too high, causing them to run out, and they are unable to be resupplied as quickly as possible.” However, the incidents, widely shared online, have unsettled motorists and put a spotlight on distribution gaps, even as Putrajaya seeks to reassure the public. Loke said the matter must be addressed by oil companies and suppliers, under the supervision of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry has rolled out a sweeping package of rail, air and public transport incentives to encourage Malaysians to shift away from private vehicles, as rising fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to strain household budgets. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the measures form part of a broader strategy to ease cost-of-living pressures while raising reliance on public transport nationwide. He said escalating tensions in West Asia have pushed up fuel prices, adding pressure to transport-related household expenses. “Crises in West Asia have led to a significant increase in fuel costs, and this is affecting the people, especially in terms of transport costs.” Under the package, the government, together with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, is offering a 30% discount on ETS tickets for all routes, as well as the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran service between JB Sentral and Tumpat, effective immediately. The discount applies to travel from Monday to Thursday, excluding school and public holidays to manage peak demand. The promotion will run from today to Oct 14, with passengers required to use a promotional code to be announced by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd. However, the discount does not apply to ETS Business Class, Ekspres Rakyat Timuran first class and sleeper seats or concession tickets. Loke urged commuters to plan their journeys early to take advantage of the savings. The government will also provide a RM50 airfare rebate for travel between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in conjunction with the Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations, from May 15 to June 14. Loke said the initiative is expected to benefit about 100,000 passengers, PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is not facing a fuel shortage, with isolated petrol station outages and rail service disruptions attributed to distribution and operational challenges. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said reports of petrol stations running out of fuel in parts of the country were isolated incidents and do not reflect a nationwide supply issue. “I think those are isolated cases. It is not due to a lack of overall supply. “This does not mean that Malaysia has run out of fuel,” he said at a press conference here yesterday. He said national fuel levels remain stable, attributing the shortages to

The ministry is also probing a petrol station where pumps Incentives aim to boost public transport reliance

Loke urged commuters to plan their journeys early to take advantage of the savings. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

government’s flagship urban rail subsidy under Prasarana. “The government hopes more Malaysians will take advantage of this,” he said, adding that the scheme helps commuters manage monthly transport costs more effectively. Other Prasarana initiatives, such as Rapid Kota and Rapid Keluarga passes, remain in place to provide wider affordable travel options. Loke said the overall strategy is aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles and fuel consumption while ensuring mobility remains affordable and accessible. “These measures are to ensure the public can continue travelling without being overly burdened by rising fuel costs.” – BY HARITH KAMAL

airlines welcomed the move following discussions with them yesterday.” Express Rail Link will also introduce two new monthly travel cards offering discounts of up to 90%, the MyPutrajaya Monthly Travel Card for civil servants working or residing in Putrajaya, and the MyKLIA Monthly Travel Card for employees at KL International Airport (KLIA). Loke said both passes are targeted at civil servants and Malaysian workers at KLIA, adding that the government is continuing the My50 pass priced at RM50, which provides a 67% subsidy for unlimited rail and bus travel in the Klang Valley, with about 40% of public transport users currently using the scheme. He said the My50 pass remains the

with the Civil Aviation Authority allocating RM5 million to the scheme. “The initiative is aimed at sustaining the aviation industry while providing meaningful benefits to the public, especially those travelling for work, education, family matters and other essential needs.” He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring public transport is accessible across all segments of society. Loke also announced that the government will extend the payment credit period for aviation fees and charges from 30 days to 60 days, effective May 1, to ease cash flow pressures on airlines. “This will help improve their cash flow over a two-month period. The