Good news for rubber smallholders in Sarawak as government raises Risda assistance rate by 55 pct

KOTA SAMARAHAN (March 14): The allocation for the new assistance rate under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) replanting programme in Sarawak has been increased to RM23,000 per hectare, up from the previous RM14,805.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the change takes effect this year, adding that the 55 per cent increase is introduced by the federal government – through his Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) and Risda — in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“The assistance will be paid in five instalments covering assistance for plantation preparations, planting materials, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs.

“This announcement demonstrates that the government remains attentive, listens to the voices of the people, understands the real challenges faced on the ground, and is strongly committed to further strengthening the rubber smallholder sector in the country, particularly in Sarawak,” he said this at the ‘Santunan Kasih Ramadan’ and Risda Sarawak Smallholders Prosperity Programme 2026 at Kampung Niup here.

Adding on, Ahmad Zahid said the assistance rates for Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah would be announced in the near future.

The rubber replanting programme is also a key initiative by Risda aimed at increasing the production of this key commodity, and also ensuring long-term benefits for smallholder communities.

Ahmad Zahid also spoke about the plan to diversify the use of rubber, including as biodiesel, as well as its application in road surfacing, and in other materials.

“The aim is to secure better markets for rubber so that ultimately, rubber tappers and smallholders nationwide will enjoy higher prices in the future,” he said.

Later, he announced an allocation from the KKDW of RM29,257,190 for Risda Sarawak this year, enabling the authority to implement strategic development programmes for rubber smallholders in the state.

Meanwhile, the programme at Kampung Niup also included the presentation of food baskets to 120 recipients, as well as contributions to Masjid Darul Istiqamah and the village’s prayer hall; and also aid for 30 ‘tahfiz’ (Islamic school) students and 20 orphans from the village.

Also present were State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang; Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang; and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan.