Zahid: Build depot to boost rubber production in Sarawak
SERIAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to build a high performance depot in Sarawak, as soon as possible.
He said the proposed depot will be built in the Samarahan Division.
He added that the depot was expected to enhance the efficiency of Sarawak's rubber supply chain, and support smallholders in marketing their products.
"Currently, we plan to build two such depots in each state. In Sarawak, one will be in Samarahan, while the location for the second is yet to be determined," he told reporters, after attending the Sarawak Risda 2025 smallholders programme and Pre-Gawai Day celebration, here, today.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, also highlighted that Malaysia spends RM6 billion annually on rubber imports, to meet the needs of the country's industries.
He added that to reduce dependency on imports, Risda has been tasked with strengthening efforts to boost local latex production.
"Currently, 87 per cent of the country's rubber output comes from smallholders, with only about 13 per cent from large plantations. This shows how heavily we rely on smallholders.
"Risda is responsible for coordinating engagement sessions with smallholder associations and individual smallholders, to increase latex production," he said.
At present, Sarawak has approximately 161,000ha of rubber plantations, with more than 98,000 smallholders involved in the sector.
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