(Silan Gou, 22nd) — The Sarawak rubber industry is now entering a brand-new phase, officially introducing the modern "punching" tapping technology. This innovation is expected to revive old rubber plantations that have been abandoned for years and increase the yield for smallholders in rural areas.
Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, stated that this new technology can be operated even during rainy days and allows tappers to tap twice a week, which is more efficient compared to traditional methods.
He said: “Based on research results, this method can significantly increase rubber yields. It is an important new attempt to help Sarawak rubber operators adopt more efficient tapping practices.”
He made these comments while attending the launch of the 'Sarawak Rubber Industry Transformation Program: Nanga Sekuau Community Rubber Project Enhancement Works' and speaking to the media.
Stephen Rundi pointed out that this modern technology helps rekindle farmers’ interest in rubber cultivation. In the past, many farmers switched to oil palm because it offers similar returns with less labor, but this new technology can restore the attractiveness of the rubber industry.
He said that in the Silan Gou Sekuau area, many rubber plantations promoted by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) have been abandoned for over 13 years, overgrown with weeds and generating no income.
“However, through this new technology, these areas can be replanted, providing rural smallholders with a new source of income.”
He added that Sarawak currently has more than 161,000 hectares of rubber plantations (not including still active estates), and if fully utilized, this could become one of the key industries driving the state's economic growth.
Stephen Rundi also thanked the local investment company Kian Maju Jaya (KMJ) for introducing the 'punching tapping' technology to help smallholders increase their yields.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that the Sarawak government has established the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB) to revitalize the rubber sector, making it a sustainable economic source for rural residents, especially the B40 low-income group.
On global challenges, he noted that the commodities sector currently faces restrictions from the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which places limits on crops such as oil palm. But he emphasized that Native Customary Rights (NCR) land can be used for rubber planting, as this can directly benefit rural people.
Stephen Rundi stated that efforts to strengthen the rubber industry are in line with the Sarawak development goals set out in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which regard agriculture as a main pillar for the state's advancement.
“Currently, the agricultural sector contributes at least 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Sarawak government hopes to increase this ratio using new methods, focusing on adopting modern technology, continuous training, and promoting a mindset change among rural people,” he said.
He emphasized that people should change from traditional work habits, actively adopt new technologies and enhance training at all levels.
“This should be done in a more competitive and profitable manner, because our goal is not just to make a living, but to achieve success through agriculture and pave the best path to prosperity.”
Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, stated that this new technology can be operated even during rainy days and allows tappers to tap twice a week, which is more efficient compared to traditional methods.
He said: “Based on research results, this method can significantly increase rubber yields. It is an important new attempt to help Sarawak rubber operators adopt more efficient tapping practices.”
He made these comments while attending the launch of the 'Sarawak Rubber Industry Transformation Program: Nanga Sekuau Community Rubber Project Enhancement Works' and speaking to the media.
Stephen Rundi pointed out that this modern technology helps rekindle farmers’ interest in rubber cultivation. In the past, many farmers switched to oil palm because it offers similar returns with less labor, but this new technology can restore the attractiveness of the rubber industry.
He said that in the Silan Gou Sekuau area, many rubber plantations promoted by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) have been abandoned for over 13 years, overgrown with weeds and generating no income.
“However, through this new technology, these areas can be replanted, providing rural smallholders with a new source of income.”
He added that Sarawak currently has more than 161,000 hectares of rubber plantations (not including still active estates), and if fully utilized, this could become one of the key industries driving the state's economic growth.
Stephen Rundi also thanked the local investment company Kian Maju Jaya (KMJ) for introducing the 'punching tapping' technology to help smallholders increase their yields.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that the Sarawak government has established the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB) to revitalize the rubber sector, making it a sustainable economic source for rural residents, especially the B40 low-income group.
On global challenges, he noted that the commodities sector currently faces restrictions from the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which places limits on crops such as oil palm. But he emphasized that Native Customary Rights (NCR) land can be used for rubber planting, as this can directly benefit rural people.
Stephen Rundi stated that efforts to strengthen the rubber industry are in line with the Sarawak development goals set out in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which regard agriculture as a main pillar for the state's advancement.
“Currently, the agricultural sector contributes at least 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Sarawak government hopes to increase this ratio using new methods, focusing on adopting modern technology, continuous training, and promoting a mindset change among rural people,” he said.
He emphasized that people should change from traditional work habits, actively adopt new technologies and enhance training at all levels.
“This should be done in a more competitive and profitable manner, because our goal is not just to make a living, but to achieve success through agriculture and pave the best path to prosperity.”