STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON MALAYSIA’S OIL PALM BIOMASS VALUE CHAIN WITHIN THE ENERGY–FOOD–ENVIRONMENT–WATER NEXUS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJIREV.826041Keywords:
Biomass Value Chain, Circular Bioeconomy, EFEW Nexus, Malaysia, Oil Palm Biomass, Stakeholder Analysis, SustainabilityAbstract
Malaysia’s increasing energy demand highlights the need for renewable alternatives, with oil palm biomass offering substantial potential for sustainable energy development. However, its biomass value chain (BVC) remains underutilized due to feedstock variability, logistical constraints, limited technological capacity, and policy and financing gaps. This study addresses the limited stakeholder-focused assessment of Malaysia’s oil palm BVC within the Energy–Food–Environment–Water (EFEW) nexus. A structured questionnaire was administered to 25 stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and non-governmental organizations, and the responses were analysed descriptively across six areas: industry dynamics, BVC processes, implementation challenges, EFEW interactions, and government and private-sector roles. The findings indicate that stakeholders generally perceive the BVC as cost-effective and environmentally beneficial, but identify feedstock uncertainty, high infrastructure and logistics requirements, limited technological innovation, inadequate financial incentives for smallholders, and policy uncertainty as key barriers. The findings highlight the need for stronger policy coherence, targeted financial and technical support, domestic technological innovation, and public–private collaboration. These measures can strengthen BVC efficiency and competitiveness while supporting Malaysia’s renewable energy transition, circular bioeconomy development, and relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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