Kuala Lumpur: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has completed a Cabinet paper proposing the implementation of the Harga Getah Bermaruah initiative, aimed at stabilising rubber prices in the country. RISDA chairman Manndzri Nasib expressed hope that the proposal would soon be tabled in a Cabinet meeting after being submitted to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, once approved, the initiative will set rubber prices at RM5 per kilogramme for scrap rubber and RM15 per kilogramme for latex. The initiative involves three ecosystems: RISDA as the sole buyer of rubber, a policy prioritising the purchase of Malaysian latex, and a fee imposition on imported rubber. Manndzri highlighted that these ecosystems could potentially increase rubber prices.

Manndzri also mentioned that RISDA is actively engaged in rubber replanting through the Abandoned Rubber Recovery Programme, with an annual target of 10,000 hectares since last year. Progress has been made with 4,600 hectares planted last year and 7,000 hectares within the first four months of this year, bringing confidence in meeting this year’s target.

Additionally, RISDA is collaborating with state governments to implement the Large-Scale Rubber Planting Programme (TGBB), covering 5,000 hectares, to enhance assets and increase rubber production. While the programme began in Melaka, expansion plans to Johor and other states are underway, pending feedback from respective state governments regarding land gazetted for commodities.

Manndzri noted the decline in private company involvement in rubber planting, positioning RISDA to assume greater responsibility in supporting the country’s 510,000 smallholders.