Build Depot To Boost Rubber Production In Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid

SERIAN, May 31 (Bernama) -- 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 (DPT) in Sarawak, as soon as possible.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the proposed depot will be built in the Samarahan Division.

He added that the depot is expected to enhance the efficiency of Sarawak’s rubber supply chain, and support smallholders in marketing their products.

“Currently, we plan to build two DPTs 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.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the 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 161,000 hectares of rubber plantations, with more than 98,000 smallholders involved in the sector.

-- BERNAMA