Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid announces a major 55% increase in replanting assistance for Sarawak’s smallholders, aiming to boost the rubber sector

SAMARAHAN: Assistance for the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) Rubber Replanting Programme in Sarawak has been increased to RM23,000 per hectare. The new rate, effective this year, marks a significant rise from the previous RM14,805.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the 55% increase is to empower the smallholder rubber sector. He stated the hike accounts for rising plantation development costs in Sarawak and Sabah.

“The proposed increase has taken into account the current rise in plantation development costs, especially in Sarawak and Sabah, covering input costs, labour, subsidised diesel and plantation management factors,” he said. He added that this ensures assistance is channelled all the way to production.

The aid will be disbursed in five phased instalments covering plantation preparation and inputs. Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, announced this at a welfare programme here.

He said new assistance rates for Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah will be announced soon. The move aligns with government efforts to strengthen the rubber commodity market through diversification.

“We are diversifying the use of rubber, including biodiesel,” he said. The aim is to secure better markets so smallholders nationwide will enjoy higher future prices.

Risda and related agencies will continue expanding rubber’s use in various products. This is to ensure the commodity market continues to grow sustainably.

 The Sun Malaysia