Kuala lumpur: Malaysia should drive innovation by developing more specialised and higher-value rubber products, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She emphasized the need for the rubber industry to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and invest in developing the necessary talent to advance the industry in the future.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Noraini highlighted that to remain competitive, Malaysia must continue to adapt and improve. She stated, "Our goal is clear - to strengthen Malaysia's position as a trusted global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products," during her keynote address at the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership and Networking Dinner.
Noraini urged the industry to enhance sustainable and resilient supply chains while expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products, aligning with the MADANI Economy, New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, and National Agricommodity Policy (DAKN) 2021-2030. She stressed the importance of improving traceability, meeting sustainability standards, and strengthening the local supply of natural rubber to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for manufacturers.
She further emphasized the need for the rubber industry to expand into new markets. Through trade efforts and cooperation with agencies and industry partners, she expressed commitment to overcoming trade barriers and creating more opportunities for Malaysian rubber products in existing and new markets.
Noraini assured that her ministry will continue to provide policies and regulations to support the industry's growth, focusing on strengthening the local natural rubber supply. She also expressed confidence in the MRC's continued support for the evolving needs of Malaysia's rubber products industry.
Earlier, Noraini witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between MRC and several universities, including Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and Monash University Malaysia. A tripartite MoU exchange involving MRC, the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was also conducted. These MoUs aim to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies, and develop higher-value rubber products.