Ahmad Zahid Urges RISDA To Use Technology To Raise Smallholders Latex Production

GUA MUSANG, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to seek technology to improve latex production among smallholders.

He said Malaysia is lagging behind global latex production currently and has to spend up to RM6 billion to import latex from other rubber-producing countries.

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"Latex should be produced by smallholders and plantations, but due to the relatively high production cost, local manufacturers are forced to import latex from rubber-producing countries," he said at the 2024 Risda Open Day in Kelantan at Kg Kala Star here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said Risda management should strive to raise the country's latex production to restore Malaysia's position as the world's leading rubber products producer.  

He said the use of new technology can overcome worker shortages in latex and downstream product production, which have affected Malaysia's position as a global leading rubber producer.

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He also urged the replanting and recovery process of diseased trees to be carried out in phases, in addition to focusing on downstream activities.

Due to the country facing timber production shortage, he urged Risda to use old rubber wood as the main alternative material for furniture-making.

"Of the 400,000 hectares of smallholder rubber land that needs replanting, at least 40,000 hectares are cut down annually. These old trees are used in furniture-making, providing a lot of revenue for the country.

"We will help furniture factories, especially in Muar, to produce rubber wood-based furniture for export," he said, adding that it would be done in partnership with the Plantation and Commodities Ministry.

He also said Risda must involve smallholders in food production by using underutilised or unused land, he does not want smallholders to sell unused land.

Instead, they should raise poultry with Risda and private sector cooperation, he said.

"The aim is to balance chicken prices. This was initiated by Felcra and would be followed by Risda. The land, therefore, not only benefits smallholders but also the country's food security," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also urged Risda to be involved in livestock feed production with other regional development agencies to reduce the country's dependence on imports.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Felcra chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, South Kelantan Development Board (Kesedar) chairman Datuk Zawawi Othman and Risda Director-General Zainal Azni Zulkifli were present at the event.

-- BERNAMA