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"We encourage technology development of jatropha as a renewable fuel to reduce our dependency on depleting fossil fuel," said Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof.

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, research and commercial plantings of jatropha is placed under the charge of the Plantation Industries & Commodities Ministry.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board is asked to research into the fuel and pharmaceutical usages of the jatropha plant. The Malaysian Rubber Board and the National Tobacco Board has embarked on jatropha trial plantings to assess if the agronomic parameters is commercially viable on a variety of soil conditions and terrain.

Currently, these three agencies are collaborating with Asiatic Centre of Genome Technology Sdn Bhd to take on a more integrated and cost effective approach to research into and commercialise jatropha plantings.

Asked if there is duplication of tasks between Mosti and the Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities, Fadillah replied: "No, we actually complement each other. 

"Mosti is not carrying out the research work. Our focus is to give out the grants to facilitate and accelerate these activities," he said.

"Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Mosti is allocated RM2 billion to help facilitate research and development activities and the commercialisation of these technologies. 

"Up until June 2008, we've already disbursed slightly more than RM1 billion," he told Business Times after officiating at the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Jatropha Summit 2008 in Bukit Jalil yesterday. - By Ooi Tee Ching