Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), will continue to strengthen efforts to increase rubber plantation productivity, reduce production costs, enhance marketing efficiency and promote income diversification for smallholders. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang stated that this comprehensive approach is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the country's rubber industry, ensure the sustainability of natural rubber supply, and strengthen the economic resilience and well-being of smallholders amid global economic uncertainties. "KKDW, through RISDA, constantly monitors developments in global rubber prices as well as external factors, including geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia and fluctuations in petroleum prices, which can affect the demand for and prices of natural rubber in the global market. "To help small rubber farmers cope with price volatility and enhance th eir income resilience, RISDA is implementing various initiatives focused on improving farm productivity, reducing production costs and empowering the rubber marketing system," she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today. She was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa, who wanted to know how RISDA could help small rubber farmers cope with fluctuations in natural rubber prices and harvesting costs to ensure that the supply prospects for this commodity are not affected by the West Asia conflict and disruptions to energy supply. Rubiah said one of the main initiatives implemented was the Mature Rubber Production Programme (PHGM), which provides agricultural input assistance such as fertilisers, tapping equipment, latex stimulants, and garden maintenance work. "This assistance not only helps reduce the production costs borne by smallholders but also improves the productivity and quality of rubber yields," she said. In addition, she noted that RISDA is also imp lementing the Rubber Marketing Facility Programme (FASGET) through the provision of Scrap and Latex Collection Depots to gather smallholders' produce before it is marketed in bulk, thereby reducing transportation costs, improving logistics efficiency, and strengthening the smallholders' bargaining position in the market. RISDA also introduced the Mobile Rubber Marketing Programme (PGB), which provides mobile rubber purchasing services, especially in rural areas. "This initiative facilitates the sale of produce, saves costs and travel time for smallholders, expands access to official marketing channels and ensures that rubber products are marketed more efficiently and at competitive prices," she added.