South Korea’s renewable energy company JC Chemical Co., Ltd. plans to establish a new plant in Malaysia to process and refine used cooking oil (UCO) into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul, stated that the project aligns with the country’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), which emphasize green growth and industrial decarbonization. The investment is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for SAF feedstock production, enhancing the nation’s role in the global biofuel value chain.

The project also supports Malaysia’s ambition to become a leader in the production and export of renewable fuels. It will complement the upcoming Ecoceres Renewable Fuels facility in Tanjung Langsat, Johor, which is scheduled to start commercial SAF production by the end of 2025.

To accelerate development, the Malaysian government has simplified licensing procedures under the Biofuel Industry Act 2007, while also investing in key infrastructure such as storage, blending, logistics, and distribution systems. These efforts reflect Malaysia’s strategic push to attract foreign investment in the renewable fuel sector and advance its transition toward a low-carbon, sustainable energy economy.