KPLB to submit recommendations to PM on increasing rubber smallholders' income

KUALA NERANG: The Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) will submit to Prime Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob two recommendations to help increase the income of smallholders under the Rubber Industry Smallholder Development Authority (RISDA).

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said they are to raise the ceiling price of scrap rubber from RM2.50 per kilogramme to more than RM3 per kilogramme and extend the Monsoon Relief period for rubber smallholders from three months to six months.

The ministry will submit two recommendations, but only one would be selected since they involve huge allocation, he told reporters after attending a programme with RISDA smallholders here today.

He said a cabinet committee, comprising KPLB, Plantation Industry and Commodities Ministry (KPPK) and the Finance Ministry, had been formed to identify the best recommendations for the purpose.

Referring to the proposal to extend the Monsoon Relief period to six months, Mahdzir said, it would involve an additional allocation of RM400 million by the government.

"As for the proposed increase in ceiling price for scrap rubber, which is now RM2.50 per kg, every 10 sen increase involves a cost of RM100 million, if it is 50 sen, it will mean RM500 million," he added.

Mahdzir said the ministry would discuss the recommendations with KPPK this week before submitting the matter to the Ministry of Finance and then to the Prime Minister.

-- BERNAMA