KKDW Prepares Working Paper For Rubber Productivity Enhancement Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) --  The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is preparing a working paper on the implementation of a rubber productivity enhancement programme aimed at increasing the income and well-being of smallholders.

In a written reply published on the Dewan Rakyat portal today, the ministry said the programme is designed to ensure better returns from rubber sales through a more effective price-support mechanism.

Additionally, KKDW said the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has welcomed the plan to implement the “Buy Malaysian Latex First” campaign.

“This is in line with efforts to encourage latex production among smallholders. This initiative is also supported by the Latex Production Programme (PROTEKS) and the Abandoned Rubber Rehabilitation Programme (PGT), which clearly emphasise latex production at the farm level, thereby encouraging smallholders to shift to latex production that offers higher selling prices compared to scrap rubber,” it said.

KKDW was responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN–Tampin), who asked about the current status and feasibility of the proposed implementation of the “Dignified Rubber Price” initiative.

The ministry added that the imposition of duties or taxes on imported rubber would involve changes to current policy that require approval from various parties before they can be implemented.

It further stated that RISDA is the implementing agency responsible for carrying out the policies set by the government, particularly those related to improving the socioeconomic development of smallholders and strengthening the national rubber sector.

-- BERNAMA