KOTA SAMARAHAN: The federal government, through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), has entrusted the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) with the mandate to channel RM29,257,190 for development programmes in Sarawak for 2026.
According to its Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, this allocation is intended to enhance the well-being of the state’s smallholders, covering a rubber cultivation area of approximately 41,393 hectares.
“Both KKDW and RISDA would continue focusing on holistic development efforts to improve the quality of life for rural communities,” he said.
He also announced that the federal government has increased the assistance rate for rubber replanting under RISDA’s programmes in Sarawak to RM23,000 per hectare, up from the previous rate of RM14,805.
Ahmad Zahid said the increase reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the livelihood of rubber smallholders, particularly in Sarawak.
“This increase of RM8,195 per hectare represents about a 55 per cent rise compared with the previous rate,” he said in his speech during the ‘Majlis Santunan Kasih Ramadan & Program Kemakmuran Pekebun Kecil RISDA Sarawak 2026’ event at Masjid Darul Istiqamah, Kampung Nuip, on Saturday (Mar 14).
He added that the assistance would be paid in five phases covering land preparation, seedlings, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the decision was spearheaded by the MADANI government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who specifically requested the announcement be made to RISDA smallholders in Sarawak.
He noted that the move demonstrates the government’s concern for rural communities and its willingness to listen to the challenges faced by smallholders on the ground.
“The government remains committed to empowering the rubber smallholder sector across the country, particularly in Sarawak,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, noted that efforts are also underway to diversify the use of rubber to strengthen market demand.
Among the initiatives being explored include the use of rubber-based materials in road construction as well as other industrial applications.
“These initiatives will expand the uses of rubber beyond traditional markets and ultimately help ensure better prices for rubber tappers and smallholders in the future,” he said.
Recalling his roots in activism, he mentioned that both he and Anwar had participated in demonstrations as student leaders in Baling, Kedah, to support rubber smallholders when prices plummeted to as low as 40 to 50 sen per kilogramme.
“Today, as leaders of the MADANI government, we remain dedicated to the struggle of improving the welfare of rubber smallholders and farming communities nationwide,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Deputy Speaker, Datuk Idris Buang.
