Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government, through the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), is intensifying its efforts to support Sabah’s smallholder rubber community, focusing on increasing productivity, income, and market access.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, announced that RISDA has set a target to manage 70,000 metric tons of smallholder rubber output in Sabah through a network of collection depots to be built across the state by 2026.
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This initiative forms part of RISDA’s Transformation Model 2026–2030, aimed at restoring Malaysia’s position as a leading global rubber producer and achieving a national production target of 1 million metric tons annually by 2030.
“These depots will serve as structured collection hubs, providing systematic weighing, record-keeping, and payment processes. This will allow over 74,600 smallholders in Sabah, including 30,228 under direct RISDA supervision, to market their produce more efficiently and safely, while reducing reliance on middlemen,” he said.
The initiative, managed by RISDA Plantation Sdn. Bhd. in partnership with the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS), is expected to benefit smallholders directly through a transparent sales system, competitive pricing, and strengthened confidence in the market.
Complementary programs such as Mobile Rubber Marketing units and the National Rubber Production Program (PETARA) will support the rehabilitation of idle plantations and boost productivity.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that these measures are part of the government’s broader Aspirasi Desa MADANI agenda, which seeks to ensure that rural communities in Sabah fully benefit from national development.
He noted that supporting smallholders requires a holistic ecosystem encompassing productivity, marketing, logistics, and data management, not merely financial assistance.
“With the commitment of all parties, Sabah’s smallholder rubber community can remain a key driver of rural economic growth and a vital contributor to the national rubber industry as we strive to meet the one million metric ton target by 2030,” he said.
The launch of the 2025 Sabah RISDA Smallholders Program, held at the Sabah International Convention Center (SICC) gathered 1,000 rubber smallholders from across the state.
During the event, a total of RM44.43 million was allocated to support the development of smallholder rubber estates, including replanting programs, productivity enhancement initiatives, entrepreneurial development, TVET programs, and agri-food initiatives.
Manndzri Nasib, Chairman of RISDA, highlighted the strong partnership between RISDA and Sabah’s smallholder community, describing it as a cornerstone of the state’s socio-economic development.
He said that the program provides targeted access to information, guidance, and training to ensure that smallholders can maximize their productivity and income.
The program also recognized exemplary smallholders through awards in categories such as entrepreneurship, agri-food participation, mature rubber plantation management, and sustainable village rubber initiatives.
Ahmad Zahid underlined the importance of these initiatives in addressing the economic challenges faced by Sabah.
He noted that the state continues to have one of the highest poverty rates in the country, and that smallholders are among the key groups that can benefit from structured government support.
“This is the time to rewrite Sabah’s development narrative with policies grounded in reality and the needs of its people. Together, we can restore Sabah’s prosperity, dignity, and hope,” he said.
