Use palm-based insulating oil at electrical substations: Johari

KUCHING: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has called for the adoption of eco-friendly palm-based insulating oil at electrical substation networks in Sarawak.

Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this follows innovations by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) researchers, which enhance the safety and efficiency of electrical systems.

He said the palm-based insulating oil not only meets the specifications of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) but also boasts a higher flash point and fire point compared to petroleum-based insulating oils.

“The use of this insulating oil is expected to reduce fire risks at electrical substations, thereby enhancing the safety of electrical system operations in the state.

Participants of the TOT Sarawak visiting the exhibitions. Photo by Ramidi Subari

“Hence, I hope the relevant parties in Sarawak will consider adopting this eco-friendly palm-based insulating oil within the substation network,” he said.

His speech was read by the Ministry’s Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Planning and Management) Datuk Abdul Hadi Omar during the Palm Oil Technology Transfer Programme (TOT) at the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) here Monday (Oct 14).

Meanwhile, he assured that the government is committed to ensuring food security through adequate food supply for Malaysians.

As part of these efforts, he said, research and commercialisation of alternative raw materials for animal feed formulations are being prioritised to address rising animal feed prices.

During the event, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) exchange for Technology Commercialisation between MPOB and two companies took place, witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The first MoA was between MPOB and the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) concerning the formulation of feed pellets for beef cattle.

Johari explained that this agreement aims to commercialise palm-based animal feed technology, reducing the dependence on imported raw materials like corn and soybean meal.

“Imported raw materials will be substituted with palm-based products, such as empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm kernel cake (PKC), to produce nutritionally complete feed pellets for livestock like cattle, goats, and chickens,” he said.

The second MoA exchange was between Mygro Trading Sdn Bhd and MPOB to combat the Ganoderma Basal Stem Rot disease in oil palm.

Johari said that the palm oil industry faces challenges from pests and diseases like Basal Stem Rot (BSR), caused by the Ganoderma fungus, which can damage mature oil palm trees and result in significant losses for growers if not addressed early.

Through extensive research, MPOB has developed a biofungicide formulation using endophytic microorganisms isolated from oil palm roots, providing effective control against ‘Ganoderma boninense,’ the primary cause of BSR.

“The use of eco-friendly microbes as a biological control agent against BSR can reduce the dependency on chemicals that pose risks to humans and the environment.

“Biological control approaches are not only safer but also more sustainable for managing oil palm plantations,” he added.

Johari also said that the biofungicide, produced using oil palm biomass waste, offers a cost-effective control method that aligns with the Integrated Ganoderma Management (IGM) system for oil palm plantations.

The green technology product will be commercially produced by Mygro Trading Sdn Bhd, based in Sibu.