Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid stated that Malaysia is aiming to become the world's top rubber producer again within the next 10 years.
He emphasized that this goal is achievable if the rubber industry undergoes comprehensive and systematic replanting and innovation.
"I have discussed this with the board and chairman of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), and I believe we can achieve this goal in 10 years. Malaysia has 800,000 hectares of rubber plantation area, of which 400,000 hectares need replanting."
"Replanting must use high-quality strains, and the tapping and collection process should be automated."
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this to the media after attending the opening ceremony of the 2025 RISDA Field Officer (Pegawai Lapangan) Conference today (23rd).
He noted that these efforts also include selling rubberwood to the furniture industry, not just as raw material, but in processed forms to increase its value.
"This means that the revenue from rubberwood will have greater value. We expect this will provide sufficient resources for RISDA to operate independently, without relying on government budgets. This is our determination, may God bless it."
He said Malaysia once ranked first in the global rubber industry, but it has now fallen to 10th place.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that he will submit a proposal to the Cabinet within two months to seek approval for RISDA to become the sole buyer for rubber smallholders.
He said this was a suggestion from RISDA Chairman, Manzly.
"This is a game-changing new proposal, and I have asked the director and secretary-general of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development to prepare a working paper to present to the Cabinet for approval within two months."