LUBOK ANTU: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) is strengthening its commitment towards improving the livelihoods and economic opportunities for more than 25,000 smallholders throughout Sarawak.
RISDA chairman, Manndzri Nasib, said the agency now focuses beyond rubber cultivation by offering inclusive assistance programmes benefiting rural communities and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“RISDA continuously open up opportunities for smallholders to improve their living standards through entrepreneurship programmes, economic development initiatives, and educational opportunities for their children,” he said.
He stated this during the launching ceremony of the Smallholders Prosperity Programme (PKPK) for RISDA Sarawak 2026 at Rumah Panjang Budit, Nanga Beretik, here, today.
According to Manndzri, even individuals owning only one acre of rubber plantation remain eligible to enjoy the benefits provided as registered RISDA smallholders across Sarawak.
He added RISDA also provides higher education opportunities through Universiti College of Agroscience Malaysia (UCAM), enabling smallholders’ children to further their studies and secure brighter futures.
The ceremony was further enlivened with a symbolic seven-time gong beating performance, marking the formal launch of the programme attended by community representatives.
Manndzri expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit Lubok Antu, describing the visit was important to understand grassroots aspirations personally and directly.
He also felt appreciated by becoming among the earliest RISDA chairman visiting the remote interior area to engage closely with smallholders and listen to their concerns firsthand.
As part of its community welfare efforts, the programme also included the presentation of food basket assistance to representatives from several longhouses around the Lubok Antu area.
The large-scale PKPK programme reflects RISDA’s ongoing dedication towards empowering smallholder communities while ensuring rural development agendas continue receiving attention for overall public wellbeing.
