ALOR SETAR, Dec 15 (Bernama) — The hike in the price of rubber to its highest level today, namely, RM4.50 to RM4.90 a kilogramme is a relief to thousands of rubber tappers and rubber smallholders in the state.
Rubber Tappers and Management Association of Kedah (PERGETAH) chairman Mohd Taufik Yaacob said the increase was the highest compared to previously which was around RM1.60 and RM1.80 per kilogramme.
“I am confident the upward trend will continue in view of the low rubber supply in the market and the high demand from China,” he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
He said PERGETAH was also happy and thankful because the development was long awaited by tappers and could help boost the income of its members, which was low previously.
“On an average, our members now take home from RM1,500 to RM1,800 monthly from each hectare.
Following this, he hoped the smallholders would work harder on their smallholdings to boost their income.
“This is their chance to boost their income and they must also conduct regular patrols to prevent rubber theft,” he said.
Taufik said, since the price of the commodity fluctuates, the members should spend prudently and keep money aside for a rainy day.
According to the record, the highest rubber price ever recorded was RM7 a kilogramme, namely, from 2007 to 2008.
— BERNAMA
