RISDA Welcomes Strategic Collaboration To Deal With Issue Of Untapped Rubber

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) will fine-tune its proposal for the agency to conduct strategic collaborations with components in the rubber industry ecosystem to deal with the problem of untapped rubber nationwide.

Its chairman, Manndzri Nasib said his team welcomes the recommendation of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) to ensure an increase in the country's natural rubber production, especially the plight of smallholders who contribute 86 per cent of the country's rubber production compared to the estate sector.

“Through this initiative, we are committed to having strategic alliances to activate the Abandoned Rubber Recovery Programme from this year in an effort to re-invigorate the production of natural rubber products through rubber smallholders’ communities involving a total area of ​​420,000 hectares.

“RISDA will also strengthen the Rubber Consolidation Programme involving RISDA-owned companies in efforts to increase added value to rubber production efforts through appointed production operators," he said in a statement issued today.

Manndzri said focus was also given to strengthen efforts in producing rubber products in latex form, which gives higher returns in comparison to scrap (rubber) through efforts to provide a depot for the collection of scrap and latex products.

In fact, he said his side will also support the synergy between RISDA and stakeholders at this time by playing their respective roles and functions inclusively to ensure that the same target can be achieved.

“RISDA is committed in shaping a new landscape for the rubber industry which will provide income and raise the standard of living for smallholders while giving benefits to the industry players via sufficient local rubber supplies.

“Additionally, RISDA will also look for potential and opportunities in boosting the rubber-based downstream economic industry through companies under the management of the RISDA Holdings Group," he said.

According to him, the involvement of RISDA will be collectively empowered to the pilot programme that will be implemented starting from the beginning to enable implementation on the ground to be successful and bring the best benefits to smallholders/

In relation to the strategic plan with the stakeholders, Manndzri suggested that any development and preparation of working papers or cabinet notes be done jointly between RISDA and stakeholders.

“This is aimed at ensuring that any proposals to the government related to the rubber industry and smallholders are comprehensive, strategic with high feasibility," he said.

He said RISDA is now in the discussion phase to implement the Large-Scale Rubber Planting Programme (TGBB) which will be worked with the state government through land cultivated with estate concept rubber planting, with a target area of ​​5,000 hectares within five years of implementation.

He also said the programme is expected to benefit a total of 2,700 participants via the giving of results in shares.

"Through the proposed cooperation that will be implemented, RISDA hopes that the solution to this issue can be resolved, thereby boosting the production of the country's natural rubber products which will ultimately provide better income to smallholders and further reduce dependence on rubber imports," he added.

-- BERNAMA