Gov't Raises Rubber Replanting Aid To Support Smallholders

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The increase in assistance rates under the Rubber Replanting Programme for Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah during the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting rubber smallholders.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that under the enhancement, the assistance rate in Peninsular Malaysia has been raised from RM13,710 per hectare to RM20,000 per hectare, an increase of RM6,290 per hectare, while in Sabah it has been increased from RM14,955 per hectare to RM23,000 per hectare, an increase of RM8,045 per hectare.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the rate for Sarawak had been announced in March, with the new rate set at RM23,000 per hectare compared with the previous RM14,805.

He said the new rates will be implemented starting this year through five instalment payments, a more practical approach to help smallholders better manage plantation development in a structured manner.

“This measure also aims to reduce the initial cost burden, which has been a major constraint in implementing replanting,” he said in a statement today.

He said the decision was made after considering rising plantation development costs and field requirements amid global economic uncertainties and increasing agricultural input costs.

Ahmad Zahid said that throughout 13MP, the initiative is expected to benefit about 33,000 smallholders, with a replanting target of 50,000 hectares, or an average of 10,000 hectares annually.

In the long term, the effort is projected to help smallholders earn around RM4,700 per month per household through rubber yields and other economic activities.

“I view this increase as a reflection of the government’s ongoing commitment to continue supporting, empowering and uplifting the smallholder rubber community,” he said.

-- BERNAMA