The rubber industry is expected to continue growing as a major export commodity for the country.
This, said Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin was in line with global demands and Malaysia’s transition to the Covid-19 endemic phase.
Speaking to the media following her visit to Meditech Gloves Sdn Bhd here, today, she said last year, local rubber exports hit RM71 billion, which is a 46.3 percent increase from 2020.
“Numerous programmes have been carried out by the ministry through the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) to assist those in the industry, including incentive packages to further enhance production and help them ensure their presence at the international level.
“The Covid-19 stimulus package was introduced in 2020 to support the industry in continuing its promotional activities in the new normal,” she said.
Zuraida said the ministry was also working to increase the floor price of scrap rubber from RM2.50 per kg to RM3.50 per kg to help rubber smallholders.
The ministry is also working with the MRC to introduce the Industry Linkage Fund (ILF) to encourage cooperation between the industry and research universities and institutions for R&D which can further contribute to the growth of the Malaysian rubber industry.
“We are confident that the rubber industry will be among the main contributors towards national economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic,” added Zuraida.
