Kota kinabalu: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) is setting an ambitious target of managing 70,000 metric tonnes of smallholders’ rubber in Sabah through a new network of collection depots. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that 10 rubber collection depots will be established across the state by the end of 2026 to facilitate this initiative.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this strategic effort is part of the RISDA Transformation Model 2026-2030, aiming to restore Malaysia’s position as a leading global producer of natural rubber. The depots will function as systematic collection hubs with proper weighing, recording, and payment processes. This announcement was made during the 2025 RISDA Sabah smallholders outreach programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre, attended by RISDA chairman Manndzri Nasib and Sabah RISDA Watan mobilisation coordinator Datuk Noraini Idris.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the infrastructure will enable 74,625 smallholders in Sabah, including 30,228 under RISDA’s supervision, to market their rubber more efficiently and independently from middlemen. The depots managed by RISDA Plantation Sdn Bhd are expected to enhance the local rubber marketing ecosystem and support the targeted rubber volume.
He highlighted that strategic cooperation with the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) aims to provide direct benefits to smallholders through higher income and transparent sales processes, reducing price manipulation. These improvements are anticipated to boost market confidence and reinforce Sabah’s position as a significant rubber-producing state.
In addition to group marketing, RISDA is expanding service access for smallholders through weighing and storage centres, mobile rubber marketing services, and the National Rubber Production programme. This programme focuses on restoring abandoned holdings and increasing productivity, supported by major rubber buyers to stabilise and optimise incomes for smallholders.
Ahmad Zahid outlined the need for a complete ecosystem covering productivity, marketing, logistics, and data management to develop rubber smallholders effectively. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder commitment to ensuring Sabah’s rubber smallholders remain key contributors to the rural economy and the national rubber industry, aiming for a production target of one million metric tonnes by 2030.
He also stressed the need to halt all rubber import activities to allow prices to rise and ensure competitive incomes for smallholders. Ahmad Zahid urged RISDA, LIGS, and the Plantation and Commodities Ministry to coordinate their efforts, avoiding isolated work to elevate the rubber industry and ensure price recovery for the benefit of rubber smallholders.