Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to set up a High-Tech Rubber Depot in Sabah to enhance the rubber industry and support smallholders in the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also holds the position of Rural and Regional Minister, highlighted Sabah’s significant potential in the rubber industry. The state boasts the largest rubber plantation area in Malaysia, covering 202,536 hectares, which accounts for 25.69 per cent of the nation’s total rubber cultivation area.
Ahmad Zahid emphasised the need for Risda to not only establish the depot but also to focus on developing rubber-based products commercially. This includes research into biofuel derived from scrap rubber, as one kilogramme of coagulated rubber residue can yield five litres of biodiesel, known as RISDA Biofuel.
His remarks were made during a speech at the state-level Risda programme for smallholders, Pekebun Kecil Makmur, held at the SJK (C) Chung Hwa hall. During the event, he announced Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin as the honorary national advisor for Risda, ensuring that the voices of smallholders in Sabah are represented.
Ahmad Zahid acknowledged the government’s efforts to stabilise the rubber industry despite the current low rubber floor price. He noted that the floor price for cup lump stands at RM5 per kilogramme, and the current market price has reached RM5.01 per kilogramme, as observed in Tangkak, Johor. He urged for a transformation of the rubber industry from a declining sector to a growing one through high technology and innovation.
He pointed out that Malaysia, once a leading producer of natural rubber from the 1930s to the 1990s, has now fallen to sixth place globally due to price and labour challenges. Therefore, he urged Risda to develop new technologies, train young people through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) approach, and equip them with skills beyond traditional roles.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid encouraged Risda to focus on replanting efforts and using old rubber trees for furniture manufacturing. He proposed the development of Tenom as Risda’s furniture industry hub in Sabah, citing the potential to replant 40,000 hectares annually and generate up to RM9 billion in rubber timber value if fully utilised.