BERA, Sept 12 (Bernama) — The Rubber Industries Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has been asked to come up with downstream products as a long term measure to stabilise rubber prices.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said RISDA could collaborate with other agencies under the ministry like FELCRA on the matter.
“This is important to look after the interests of 532,000 smallholders in the country especially when the price of the commodity drops.
“The time has come for RISDA to look for new approaches, especially venturing into downstream activities to produce rubber-based products like motorcycle tyre tubes, vehicle spare parts and decorative items that are in high demand by consumers,” he said when opening the Bera RISDA Office here Saturday.
Also present were the ministry’s deputy secretary-general Datuk Haji Ahmad Zubir Abd Ghani, RISDA chairman Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin and RISDA director-general Datuk Mohd Zuki Haji Mohamad.
