Risda Rubber Smallholders' Incomes Surge 40% by May

The average income of rubber smallholders has increased by 40% to RM436 per month as of May, according to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). This rise is attributed to the implementation of the Agrofood initiative by the Rubber Industry Smallholder Development Authority (RISDA). The ministry aims to further increase the average income for smallholders to RM500 per month by 2025.

To achieve this target, the ministry provides basic entrepreneurship training and technical skills training, including business and accounting management through various short-term courses and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. This year, RM2 million has been allocated to support nearly 1,000 participants of the agrofood programme nationwide. Additionally, the ministry plans to establish the Madani Village Development Committee (JKDM) to enhance rural community development and socio-economic activities while avoiding duplication of efforts and costs.