RISDA to propose export of non productive rubber trees

The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) will propose to the government to allow rubber trees that were no longer productive, to be exported.

Its chairman Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said aged rubber trees were usually abandoned as the price of rubber wood in the country is cheap.

"Rather than waste them, Risda will propose to the government that they be exported," he told a press conference after a dialogue with Perlis rubber smallholders here last night.

He said the government had given its commitment to continue assisting the smallholders following the price drop of the commodity, including considering their application to reduce the foreign workers processing fee.

"Smallholders have expressed their grouses over the payment to bring in foreign workers, which exceeds RM270 per person, in the face of falling rubber prices. The issue will be resolved immediately," he said.

Meanwhile, Zahidi said rubber farmers had been urged to produce more rubber latex which yield better profit compared to scrap rubber.

He said RISDA had also made a request to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to increase the rubber subsidy, to encourage smallholders in increasing production to meet local demand.

"The smallholders have also been urged to optimise their land by growing for instance, vegetables and herbs, which could generate additional income for them," he said.