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JENGKA – Malaysian agribusiness conglomerate FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) has officially kicked off the next strategic phase of its B100 Biodiesel (B100) pilot project. Transitioning from standard on-road vehicle tests, the company is now introducing the palm oil-based fuel directly into its heavy-duty plantation operations to analyze its practical performance and operational viability under challenging field conditions.
This newly launched trial will span a six-month evaluation period at the Tun Abdul Razak Agricultural Research Centre (PPPTAR) estate, located in Jerantut, Pahang. The field assessment involves 17 key operational machinery assets, including specialized tractors, heavy agricultural equipment, industrial power generators, and four-wheel-drive vehicles utilized in daily estate duties. While previous trials proved successful in conventional road vehicles, this phase tests the fuel's resilience in the far more punishing, dusty, and high-load environments characteristic of plantation fields.
The official launching ceremony was held during the Hari Peneroka FELDA 2026 celebrations at Stadium Tun Abdul Razak in Jengka. The event was formally officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The prominent ceremony was attended by key national figures, including Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Menteri Besar of Pahang YAB Dato' Sri Haji Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, alongside local Members of Parliament, State Assembly Members, and the Director-General of FELDA, Dato' Dr. Suzana Idayu Wati Osman. Furthermore, Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid, Chairman of FGV, and members of the Boards of Directors and executive leaders from both the FELDA and FGV Groups were present, alongside a crowd of more than 3,000 attendees comprising state officials, corporate delegates, and settlers from across the country.
B100 biodiesel is formulated from 100 percent locally harvested palm oil, containing zero fossil fuels. This development aligns with FGV's goal of expanding its downstream palm-based market offerings. As a prominent biofuel producer and agribusiness giant, FGV is executing a data-driven study to monitor the engine behavior of B100 prior to any plans for broader, commercial deployment.
The pilot trial will be monitored in systematic stages. Participating machinery will undergo exhaustive technical inspections and servicing to establish clear performance baselines before fueling. Over the six months, researchers will continuously monitor fuel efficiency, engine wear, overall reliability, maintenance intervals, and fuel quality.
Plantation environments are uniquely suited for these demanding tests due to extreme field conditions, including extended operational hours, rough terrains, elevated operating temperatures, and varying heavy workloads across different machinery types. The gathered data will serve as an invaluable resource for the broader biofuels industry, paving the way for a deeper understanding of palm-derived biodiesel in commercial agriculture.
Datuk Abu Huraira, Chairman of FGV, stated that moving B100 testing into active plantations highlights FGV’s commitment to driving palm oil innovation responsibly and through empirical evidence. He noted that as a major global palm oil producer, Malaysia's strategic agricultural commodity has immense potential to support the national renewable energy roadmap and bolster industrial competitiveness amidst global energy and supply chain challenges. He welcomed the government's decision to shift to the national B20 biodiesel blend, asserting that FGV will continue to run the necessary operational trials to support the country's bio-economy. He added that this goes beyond mere validation, as it seeks to create tangible value for the entire FELDA settler ecosystem.
The initiative's launch during Hari Peneroka FELDA 2026 highlights the tight-knit partnership between FGV and local settlers. The Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) harvested by FELDA settlers are the core raw material for these high-value palm oil derivatives, including B100. FGV remains dedicated to elevating the palm oil value chain through diverse consumer goods, oleochemicals, and sustainable biofuels, ensuring the domestic industry stays competitive and future-proof.
The event is additionally highlighted by Festival FGV 2026, demonstrating how raw settler harvests are successfully turned into retail food, consumer items, and agricultural innovations. A key highlight is "Warung FGV", serving dishes cooked with popular FGV brands like SAJI, SERI PELANGI, and GULA PRAI. Visitors can also explore the dedicated B100 exhibition, attend culinary and technological demonstrations, and participate in multiple educational activities during the two-day festival.
Source: FGV Holdings Berhad