Pahang: The government's move to increase the assistance rate under the Rubber Replanting Programme has been welcomed by smallholders facing challenges related to costs and uncertainty in commodity prices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, checks revealed that many smallholders appreciated the government's continued commitment to safeguarding their welfare and strengthening their resilience, while also aiming to boost the country's rubber production.
In PAHANG, rubber smallholder Adnan Husin, 54, expressed that the increased assistance eases the burden on the group in conducting replanting activities and improving future yields. 'Previously, smallholders might have postponed their plans due to high costs. Now, they can proceed, knowing the returns will be greater compared with tapping old rubber trees,' he stated.
Husin Mohamad, another smallholder aged 63, highlighted that the increase in assistance would prevent him from going into debt for replanting on his smallholding. 'My rubber trees are mostly old with low yield. The government assistance makes it easier for me to plant new rubber trees,' he added.
In KEDAH, Rodhi Md Rejab, 49, from Felda Laka Selatan, Jitra, described the increase in the assistance rate as a positive step towards strengthening the rubber industry and easing smallholders' burdens. He also emphasized the need for support for hired tappers affected by rising living costs.
Mohd Zaki Othman, 56, from Padang Terap, who has been involved in rubber cultivation for over 15 years, noted that the increase in assistance would alleviate cost pressures amid rising fertilizer and pesticide prices driven by global economic factors. 'The higher assistance will ensure that rubber tappers continue to work their smallholdings and can help break free from the cycle of poverty,' he remarked.
In JOHOR, Khairul Aman Mohd Shah, state chairman of the National Association of Smallholders Malaysia (PKPKM), described the increase as a positive development that could attract young people to the commodity sector. He emphasized the need to continue the legacy of rubber cultivation and produce a new generation to sustain the country's production.
Khairul Aman further commented that the assistance helps smallholders with land preparation, seedlings, and fertilizers, boosting their motivation to continue their efforts. He also suggested that the government strengthen marketing aspects to ensure stable rubber prices and encourage productivity.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the increase in the assistance rate for the Rubber Replanting Programme in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), reflects the government's continued commitment to supporting rubber smallholders. The assistance rate in Peninsular Malaysia has been increased from RM13,710 per hectare to RM20,000 per hectare, while in Sabah it has been raised from RM14,955 per hectare to RM23,000 per hectare.