RISDA Urged To Increase Rubber Collection Centres - Ahmad Zahid

BENTONG, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has been urged to establish more rubber collection centres nationwide to help increase the income of rubber smallholders, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. 

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said these centres would also reduce the import of latex for the country's factories that produce rubber-based products such as gloves.

“I have requested for more of these centres to be built, and hopefully, in 2025, we can construct 10 more using internal funds,” he told a press conference after officiating the Chemomoi Latex Agropolitan Complex here today.

He suggested locations in the northern region, the east coast and Johor as potential sites for these rubber collection centres.

Ahmad Zahid also said that RISDA would embark on a replanting programme for rubber trees in the long term, with sufficient funding allocated under Budget 2025.

However, he emphasised the importance of proper logging procedures for old rubber trees so the timber can be utilised for furniture production.

“This is because rubberwood is among the most expensive and high-quality furniture timber, with strong demand globally. Therefore, I do not want RISDA to simply sell untreated wood without any added value," he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said he would propose placing the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim before presenting it to the Cabinet.

“This was a decision made during a recent retreat. Administratively, FELDA management currently falls under the Deputy Prime Minister and not KKDW, which is a different matter. Thus, the retreat's decision was to ensure better coordination,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Ahmad Zahid highlighted Malaysia's reputation among other Islamic countries for its harmony and peace, crediting the Federal and state governments for addressing the needs of all citizens regardless of background.

At the event, he also distributed RISDA dividends amounting to RM51 million and monsoon season aid for Pahang, amounting to over RM11.2 million.

-- BERNAMA