RISDA Finds New Source of Wealth For The Country, Eyes Launch By Early 2026

By Nadia Jumri

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 (Bernama) -- The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) is finalising a preliminary study on the development of biofuel products based on scrap rubber, with a target to announce its effectiveness for widespread use by early 2026. 

RISDA chairman Manndzri Nasib said that the initiative, known as “green rubber fuel,” is the result of the transformation for new generation (TR4NG) innovation group’s pilot project under the RISDA district office in Tanah Merah, Kelantan. 

“This move is described as a strategic and creative approach to address the challenges facing the country’s rubber industry, including market price volatility, declining global demand and the tendency of smallholders to switch to other crops.

“This innovative initiative has the potential to elevate the name of RISDA and change the perception that the rubber industry is no longer a sunset industry, but rather ‘the new rising renewable sector’,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here. 

The potential of the rubber biofuel project was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who described it as capable of becoming a high-impact rural development model and driving the transformation of the rubber sector towards a sustainable and competitive future. 

Manndzri said the nine-member TR4NG group has introduced a unique technology that converts scrap rubber into biofuel through a controlled combustion and staged distillation process. 

“As a result, three types of fuel were produced, namely a liquid that closely resembles the properties of petrol, white fuel and butane gas, which have been successfully tested on motorcycles, mini tractors, lawnmowers and lorries without any additives. 

“Laboratory tests also confirmed that the chemical components in the fuel have high potential for practical and safe use with more comprehensive studies,” he said. 

Manndri said he had witnessed the process himself during his recent working visit and tried out the resulting biofuel. 

He said that an estimated one kilogramme of scrap rubber can produce up to five litres of biofuel oil, which can indirectly open up new opportunities for income generation for more than 500,000 RISDA smallholders, as well as providing added value to the industry.

Manndzri said this biofuel oil not only offers a sustainable solution to the challenges of the rubber industry, but also has the potential to contribute to the country’s renewable energy agenda and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. 

He, however, stressed that the development of “green rubber fuel” needs to be carried out collaboratively, involving more government agencies and stakeholders, such as SIRIM Bhd, knowledge and research institutions, the industry and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). 

"We welcome all interested parties to collaborate with RISDA -- and likewise, with MOSTI -- to develop the potential of this biofuel oil so that it can become a national asset and contribute to national income," he said. 

He explained that as a follow-up step, several strategic measures are being proposed, namely funding the development of prototypes and laboratory facilities, and implementing rural innovation incubation programmes.

“In addition, (we are considering efforts such as) patent registration and intellectual property protection as well as promotion and commercialisation at the national and international levels,” he said. 

Manndzri said the efforts of RISDA members proved that the transformation of the rubber sector is not only achievable, but could position Malaysia as a leader in biofuel energy innovation based on agricultural products. 

“With continued support and trust from the government and stakeholders, this project is expected to be a catalyst for sustainable and high-impact rural development, in line with the aspirations of Desa MADANI.

“From scrap rubber to fuel source -- rubber biofuel is a symbol of rural innovation for the energy of the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA