PADANG TERAP, Nov 5 – Malaysia is taking steps to improve the quality of locally produced rubber.
The National Rubber Industry Transformation Programme (TARGET) aims to help rubber smallholders in Kedah produce better-quality rubber.
The programme will also help them supply rubber to Kedah Rubber City (KRC). This could create more business opportunities and improve farmers’ income.
Two New Rubber Centres Under Construction
The Plantation and Commodities Ministry introduced TARGET in 2021.
The programme encourages smallholders to produce high-quality cup lump rubber. The rubber must meet Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) requirements.
To support this effort, two new training and incubation centres are being built.
One centre is located in Mukim Padang Terap Kiri. The other is in Mukim Tekai.
Together, the centres can handle 260 tonnes of cup lump rubber every month. Both facilities are expected to begin full operations by mid-2027.
Around 1,000 Smallholders Expected to Benefit
About 1,000 rubber smallholders are expected to benefit from the programme.
They could gain access to better purchase prices and profit-sharing opportunities.
The programme also aims to make rubber sales more transparent.
In addition, it will connect farmers directly with rubber processing companies. This can help reduce transportation and processing costs.
As a result, smallholders may earn better returns from their rubber.
Kedah Rubber City Could Boost Rubber Demand
The programme will also support the growing industrial activities at Kedah Rubber City.
KRC has secured a major investment from a leading Chinese tyre manufacturer.
The factory is expected to reach full production capacity in 2028.
Once fully operational, it is projected to produce 15 million passenger car tyres each year. It is also expected to produce six million truck tyres annually.
This expansion could increase demand for natural rubber.
It may also create new business opportunities for local smallholders.
TARGET Aims to Strengthen Malaysia’s Rubber Industry
TARGET aims to improve both rubber quality and supply.
This is important because manufacturers need a steady supply of quality raw materials.
The programme will help farmers meet these industry requirements.
It will also strengthen links between smallholders and manufacturers.
Through these efforts, Malaysia aims to build a stronger rubber supply chain. Smallholders could also benefit from future growth in the manufacturing sector.
Source : PRESS KL | Rewritten By Minutesmy
