Kuching: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) to build a high-performance depot (DPT) in Sarawak, as soon as possible. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the proposed depot will be constructed in the Samarahan Division to enhance the efficiency of Sarawak’s rubber supply chain and assist smallholders in marketing their products.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the plan includes building two DPTs in each state, with one of Sarawak’s depots confirmed for Samarahan, while the location for the second is still undecided. This announcement was made following his attendance at the Sarawak RISDA 2025 smallholders programme and the Pre-Gawai Day celebration.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, emphasized Malaysia’s substantial annual expenditure of RM6 billion on rubber imports to satisfy the demands of the country’s industries. To mitigate this dependency, RISDA has been tasked with reinforcing efforts to augment local latex production.

Currently, 87 percent of Malaysia’s rubber output is attributed to smallholders, with only about 13 percent coming from large plantations, highlighting the significant reliance on smallholders. Ahmad Zahid underscored RISDA’s role in coordinating engagement sessions with smallholder associations and individual smallholders to increase latex production.

Presently, Sarawak boasts approximately 161,000 hectares of rubber plantations, involving over 98,000 smallholders in the sector.