SELANGAU: The Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB) will be established soon to spearhead the development, coordination, and transformation of the state’s rubber industry towards a more sustainable and competitive future.
Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the new agency will play a pivotal role in formulating strategies to revitalise the industry, which has been facing challenges such as labour shortages and waning interest among smallholders.
He said SARIB will help consolidate efforts to enhance productivity, promote innovation, and ensure the sector remains a viable income source for rural communities.
“Sarawak currently has over 161,000 hectares of land planted with rubber, and if fully optimised, the sector can become a significant contributor to the state’s economy,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Rubber Industry Transformation Project and the Strengthening of the Nanga Skuau Community Rubber Project at Nanga Skuau Hall here on Tuesday (Oct 21).
Dr Rundi said the state government’s broader goal is to make the rubber industry a key driver for rural income growth, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 target for Sarawakian households to achieve a minimum monthly income of RM15,000.
To complement SARIB’s establishment, the government also introduced a modern rubber tapping technique known as the punching method, which allows for higher yields and more consistent production even during rainy weather.
“With this new method, tappers can work more efficiently and still produce high-quality latex with better returns.
“Many planters who shifted to oil palm for higher profits can now see rubber as a sustainable alternative,” he said.
Dr Rundi emphasised the importance of adopting modern technology and continuous training to develop a skilled agricultural workforce.
“We must change our mindset and embrace innovation. The younger generation must learn not only to seek jobs but also to create opportunities through agriculture,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben, advisor to the ministry Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Sirai Daha, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, and Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat.
