ALOR STAR: Rubber smallholders in Kedah, home to the country's largest natural rubber producers, today backed Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani's call to urgently revive the industry.
Bukit Tembaga Felda settlement chief Fisol Abd Aziz, in welcoming the call made by Johari, said there was a need to explore new ways to boost production and strengthen downstream industries.
He also highlighted the importance of research and development in rubber-related technologies and initiatives.
"Everyone knows the rubber commodity is facing a sunset.
"Therefore we wish to thank Datuk Seri Johari and the federal government for the commitment to revitalise this industry," he said when contacted.
Fisol said the decline of the rubber industry stemmed from a combination of factors, including labour shortages and cost, fertiliser and herbicide costs, unpredictable weather, numerous local buying centres, and fluctuating commodity prices.
"We need to address the labour shortage as younger generations are not interested in plantation work. Unpredictable and heavy rainfall also affects daily income for tappers," he added.
Fisol suggested subsidies for fertilisers and herbicides to ease the burden on Felda settlers.
Rodhi Md Rejab, a 46-year-old smallholder from Kubang Pasu, concurred on the pressing needs to attract younger generations to the industry.
"Commodity prices are too unstable, and older plantation owners are struggling. Many young people prefer salaried jobs.
"Tapping rubber barely earns RM1,000 a month, especially with fewer than 1,000 trees. The rainy and dry seasons only allow full yields for less than six months," he said.
Rodhi expressed concern over many rubber smallholders switching to oil palm, which offers more stable prices and is less affected by weather changes.
He urged the government to focus on assisting smallholders with developing downstream industries, nothing that they lack the capital to do so indepedently.
Jahaya Yaakob, 63, who manages a small estate in Padang Terap, believed the time has come for the government to revive the rubber industry to its former glory.
"For Padang Terap, the rural community here largely depend on rubber for an income. A revitalised industry would raise living standards here," he said.
On Thursday, Johari said he had initiated talks with the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) director-general and the Malaysian Rubber Board to encourage smallholders' participation in revitalising the sector.
The discussions, he said, focused on rediscovering abandoned rubber plantations, increasing production, enhancing the downstream industry, and positioning Malaysia as a leading exporter once again.