Bukit Panau: The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) is set to introduce new rubber tapping, collection, and dilution technology in Bukit Panau, involving 82 smallholders within the area. This initiative aims to enhance the income levels of rubber smallholders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the chairman of MRC, Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor, highlighted the strategic introduction of this technology, initially piloted in Janda Baik, Pahang, and now being implemented in Bukit Panau, Tanah Merah, Kelantan. This project is being coordinated with the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department and the Kelantan Federal Development Office, targeting smallholders who are part of the state’s agricultural demographic, which includes many underprivileged farmers, fishermen, and rubber smallholders.

Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi emphasized the current struggle of smallholders, who, despite owning land, yield unsatisfactory results. The new technology aims to significantly boost their income from RM700 to over RM5,000 monthly, while enhancing both the quality and quantity of latex production.

He also addressed the resilience of Malaysia’s rubber industry amidst challenges, specifically the US tariffs, and assured that MRC, alongside the government, is actively pursuing methods to bolster exports, focusing primarily on quality improvements.

Last Saturday, Bernama reported an anticipated subdued Malaysian rubber market due to a bias towards weaker demand. Industry expert Denis Low noted volatility within the market, attributing it to global uncertainties linked to US tariff policies under President Donald Trump.