Ministry targets one million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by 2028 - Johari

MALAYSIA is expected to produce one million metric tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by 2028, marking a significant step in the country’s push towards cleaner energy and low-carbon aviation, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said on Monday.

He told the Dewan Negara that the projected output would be driven by two domestic sustainable aviation fuel production facilities, including one currently under construction by Petroliam Nasional Bhd.

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

“Once both plants are completed in 2028, total SAF production capacity will reach one million metric tonnes,” he said during a question-and-answer session.

Johari was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid on how the government plans to ensure a stable supply of raw materials to support the growing SAF industry.

Addressing concerns over feedstock availability, Johari said the government would move to halt exports of used cooking oil to safeguard domestic supply and would adopt a circular economy approach within plantation activities to ensure long-term sustainability of raw materials.

In a separate explanation, the minister said the government has also introduced a range of measures to attract both local and foreign investment into the SAF sector. These include streamlining approval processes for plant construction licences, 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 said.

The planned expansion positions Malaysia to play a larger role in supplying cleaner aviation fuels as airlines worldwide accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet international climate targets. - December 15, 2025