KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has allocated 1,460 hectares in Sarawak for this year’s Rubber Replanting Programme as part of efforts to boost the state’s rubber industry.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang said the initiative also involves intensifying activities in several new areas across Sarawak to expand rubber production.
“The main rubber production centres in Sarawak remain at Sri Aman, Saratok, Betong and Sarikei but we now have additional areas in Samarahan, Serian, Lawas, Limbang and Miri.
“However, our focus continues to be on the core production hubs of Betong, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Saratok and Sibu,” she said when met reporters after the programme at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre on Friday.
Rubiah noted that rubber replanting in Sarawak has reached 32,000 hectares to date, with the new 1,460-hectare allocation targeted for this year.
She said the initiative is part of RISDA’s effort to support smallholders while serving as the main buyer of rubber in the state.
“This initiative has not been fully implemented yet, but we have piloted it on a small scale in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
“We need licences or permits to buy rubber, after which we can purchase directly from smallholders,” she explained.
Rubiah added that RISDA buys rubber at market prices, without deductions, aiming to protect smallholders from price manipulation and high management costs.
“Previously, some buyers could take advantage of smallholders. Through this initiative, we hope to help them earn fairly based on market rates,” she said.
She also said the initiative would help identify sellers and sources while observing the current structure of the rubber market.
“The early response in Peninsular Malaysia has been very encouraging, with full support for the programme,” Rubiah added.
