MIRI: Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) spent RM18.58 million on rubber development programmes across this division between 2011 and last year.
Out of the total, RM13.73 million was used to fund Risda’s core programme, namely rubber replanting, said Risda Sarawak director Zulkefli Zaini, adding that the remainder was used on supporting programmes.
“We have plans to ensure that the smallholders are able to produce quality latex,” he spoke at ‘Risda Miri Division 2016 Gawai-Raya’ gathering here on Saturday.
He also highlighted Risda as a key agency, in that it had been able to raise the living standards of the rural community.
Risda, he pointed out, would intensify efforts to boost rubber industry in the country, particularly in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, who is also a Risda board member, urged all rubber smallholders to work closely with the agency.
He told those present that Risda had conducted three projects under its rubber replanting programme in Sibuti – namely those in Kelulit, Sabar Panjuk and Lepung Ajai.
The Saturday gathering were also attended by Assistant Minister for Solidarity Rosey Yunus, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis and PBB publicity chief Datuk Yusuf Sani Wahab.
