Govt raises rubber replanting aid in S’wak by 55 pct to RM23k per hectare

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Photo credit: JAPEN

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Mar 14: The government has increased the assistance rate for the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) rubber replanting programme in Sarawak by about 55 per cent, from RM14,805 per hectare to RM23,000 per hectare.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the increase reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening support for small rubberholders and improving their income.

Speaking at the Majlis Santunan Kasih Ramadan dan Program Kemakmuran Pekebun Kecil RISDA Sarawak 2026 in Kampung Niup, Kota Samarahan today, he said the revised rate marks a significant boost in assistance for the sector.

“The government has agreed to increase the rubber replanting assistance to RM23,000 per hectare. Previously, the amount was RM14,805 per hectare, which means this increase reflects the government’s concern and commitment to helping small rubberholders, particularly in Sarawak,” he said.

Elaborating further, Zahid noted that the new rate represents an increase of about RM8,900 compared to the previous assistance level.

“This is an increase of about 55 per cent from the earlier rate, and the assistance will be paid through five phases of instalments covering land preparation, planting materials, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs,” he added.

He said the decision was approved by the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as part of efforts to address challenges faced by smallholders and strengthen the rubber sector.

“This announcement clearly shows that the government listens to the people, understands the real challenges faced by smallholders on the ground, and remains committed to empowering the rubber smallholder sector in the country, especially in Sarawak,” he said.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister said the government is also working to diversify the use of rubber in order to strengthen demand and support better prices for producers.

Among the initiatives being explored are expanding the use of rubber-based materials in road construction and developing other industrial applications, which he said could create broader market opportunities for the commodity.

He added that the assistance rate for the RISDA replanting programme in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah would be announced later. — DayakDaily