SEREMBAN, 28 July 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has directed the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) to develop strategies to ensure a minimum rubber price of RM5 per kilogramme by the end of 2027, aiming to improve the income and livelihoods of more than 500,000 rubber smallholders nationwide.
Speaking at the official opening of the RISDA Central Zone Smallholders Convention 2026 here today, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasised that smallholders form the backbone of Malaysia’s rubber industry, contributing about 80% of the country’s total production.
He praised the hard work of small planters from across Negeri Sembilan, noting that their efforts not only support their families but also drive the rural economy and the national rubber sector.
“The most important thing for me is to ensure that every drop of sweat from these smallholders is rewarded with better returns,” he said. “RISDA must continue to be strengthened so that smallholders receive comprehensive support — from increasing productivity and adopting technology to wider market access and more dignified prices.”
Ahmad Zahid highlighted positive early results from RISDA’s role as the primary “Anchor Buyer” of rubber. In Negeri Sembilan alone, 636.47 metric tonnes of rubber valued at more than RM2.53 million had been collected as of 16 July this year. Nationwide, RISDA has recorded collections exceeding 7,095 metric tonnes worth over RM29 million.
He stressed that these efforts would be intensified to create a more efficient marketing chain, transparent pricing mechanisms, and greater value returning directly to smallholders.
Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and RISDA to continue defending the interests of small rubber planters and rolling out more initiatives, particularly for those in Negeri Sembilan.
The convention was also attended by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang and RISDA chairman Manndzri Nasib.
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