KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- In a move to create public awareness onthe need to use environment-friendly energy sources, the Malaysian PalmOil Board (MPOB) will hold a test drive using biofuel on Dec 5.

The test-drive, themed "Palm Biofuel for a Greener, Smoother Drive" isopen to the public who have diesel engine vehicles, MPOB said in astatement Wednesday.

It said the test-drive would start from MPOB headquarters in Bangi andwould end at KLIA Pan Pacific Hotel.

"The test-drive is open to the public who are interested to test the palmdiesel and palm oil as their vehicles' fuel substitute.

"At the finishing point, all vehicles will be subjected to carbon smokeemission test to prove palm biofuel is environment-friendly," it said.

MPOB has conducted extensive research and development on using palm dieseland palm oil as diesel substitute.

While field trials showed diesel engine vehicles required no modificationsto use palm diesel, they have good engine performance and cleaner exhaustemissions, it said.

"The palm diesel and palm oil have been used in pure form or blended withdiesel or fuel oil in diesel engines and industrial burners. The resultsare very promising.

"The biofuel is clean and renewable and has been touted as the answer tothe issue of diminishing energy reserves," the statement said.

MPOB said it wanted to reveal these developments to the Malaysian publicas the global interest in biofuels had increased tremendously, especiallyin the European Union and North America.

-- BERNAMA