Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is in the process of preparing a working paper focused on enhancing rubber productivity with the goal of increasing the income and welfare of smallholders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry detailed in a written reply on the Dewan Rakyat portal that the programme aims to ensure improved returns from rubber sales by implementing a more effective price-support mechanism. This initiative is expected to provide significant benefits to smallholders by stabilizing and potentially increasing their income.

The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has expressed support for the ‘Buy Malaysian Latex First’ campaign, which aligns with the goals of boosting latex production among smallholders. The campaign is part of broader efforts, including the Latex Production Programme (PROTEKS) and the Abandoned Rubber Rehabilitation Programme (PGT), which focus on enhancing latex production at the farm level. These initiatives are designed to encourage smallholders to switch to latex production, which typically commands higher prices than scrap rubber.

The KKDW’s statement was in response to an inquiry from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who sought information on the current status and feasibility of the proposed ‘Dignified Rubber Price’ initiative. The ministry mentioned that imposing duties or taxes on imported rubber would require changes to existing policies, necessitating approval from various parties before implementation.

RISDA is designated as the implementing agency for these policies, specifically focusing on improving the socioeconomic conditions of smallholders and bolstering the national rubber sector.