Sabah’s new depot network aims to manage 70,000 tonnes of rubber, helping 74,625 smallholders market their produce faster and more securely.
KOTA KINABALU: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority aims to manage 70,000 metric tonnes of Sabah rubber through organised group marketing via a new depot network.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced 10 rubber collection depots will be established across Sabah by end-2026.
He said this strategic effort aligns with the RISDA Transformation Model 2026–2030 to restore Malaysia’s position as a leading global natural rubber producer.
“These depots will serve as systematic collection hubs equipped with proper weighing, recording and payment processes,” he said at the 2025 RISDA Sabah smallholders outreach programme.
The infrastructure will enable 74,625 Sabah smallholders, including 30,228 under RISDA’s supervision, to market rubber more quickly and securely without relying entirely on middlemen.
The depot network managed by RISDA Plantation Sdn Bhd is expected to strengthen the local rubber marketing ecosystem for smallholders.
Strengthening the marketing system through cooperation with the Sabah Rubber Industry Board should provide direct gains through higher income and transparent sales processes.
These improvements should boost market confidence and reinforce Sabah’s position as a significant rubber-producing state.
RISDA is expanding service access through weighing centres, mobile marketing services and the National Rubber Production programme.
The strategy supported by major rubber buyers will help stabilise smallholder incomes under the government’s Aspirasi Desa MADANI agenda.
“Developing rubber smallholders requires a complete ecosystem covering productivity, marketing, logistics and data management,” Ahmad Zahid emphasised.
With stakeholder commitment, Sabah’s rubber smallholders can remain key contributors to the rural economy and national rubber industry.
He also stressed all rubber import activities must halt immediately to allow prices to rise and ensure competitive smallholder incomes.
Ahmad Zahid directed RISDA, LIGS and the Plantation and Commodities Ministry to coordinate efforts rather than working in isolation.
“Do not work in isolation. We must coordinate efforts for the benefit of rubber smallholders,” he said. – Bernama
