BANDAR TENGGARA, JOHOR July 4, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today officiated the RISDA Agromajestic Program Johor 2026 at Dataran Kejat, Bandar Tenggara, reaffirming the government’s commitment to uplifting more than 508,000 rubber smallholders across Malaysia.
Speaking at the event, Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), highlighted recent successes in the rubber sector. He noted that RISDA’s role as the national “anchor buyer” of rubber has contributed to positive price trends, with current prices among the best seen in the past decade.
“This is one of the government’s efforts to ensure that more than 508,000 smallholders nationwide enjoy better returns from their hard work,” Zahid said.
Zahid emphasised that RISDA is no longer focused solely on rubber. The agency is now driving transformation by utilising idle land for agro-food and livestock activities. This move aims to strengthen national food security, reduce reliance on imports, and create additional income opportunities for rural communities.
“Insya-Allah, as long as we are given the trust, I will continue to ensure RISDA remains an agency that champions the welfare of smallholders, thereby strengthening the rural economy for the benefit of Johoreans and all Malaysians,” he added.
The program, organised under RISDA and KKDW, forms part of broader efforts to modernise and diversify smallholder agriculture. It includes initiatives to boost productivity and explore new revenue streams beyond traditional rubber tapping.
RISDA has long been the key government agency supporting smallholder rubber farmers. Recent policy moves, including proposals to position RISDA as a major buyer, have aimed to stabilise and improve returns for the thousands of families who depend on rubber cultivation.
The Agromajestic initiative builds on this foundation by promoting integrated agro-based activities, aligning with national goals for rural development and food self-sufficiency.
The event was attended by local smallholders, residents of the Tenggara area, and senior officials from KKDW and RISDA. It reflects the government’s ongoing focus on grassroots economic empowerment ahead of key political activities in Johor.
Zahid’s participation underscores the federal government’s direct engagement with rural communities in Johor as part of efforts to sustain and grow the agricultural sector.
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