SELANGAU: The rubber industry in Sarawak is currently undergoing a new phase of transformation through the introduction of modern tapping methods that are more efficient and viable.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said the new tapping method using punching techniques can increase rubber production yields more consistently, regardless of weather conditions.
He explained that this initiative is an innovative step by the Sarawak Government to revitalise the rubber industry which is currently facing the challenge of manpower shortage, and interest shifting to other crops such as oil palm.
“Through this method, tappers do not have to worry about rain. They can tap twice a week and the yield is also higher and of better quality.
“Many rubber growers are now switching to oil palm plantations. Meanwhile, with this new method, they can still earn a good income with easier efforts,” he said.
He said this when officiating the Sarawak Rubber Industry Transformation Project and the Strengthening of the Nanga Skuau Community Rubber Project at the Nanga Skuau Hall on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi also announced the establishment of the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB) to plan a strategy to strengthen this sector to become a sustainable and competitive industry.
He explained that Sarawak has over 161,000 hectares of land planted with rubber crops, and this sector has the potential to become an important economic contributor to the state if fully utilised.
“We want to make the rubber industry a major source of income for rural people, especially the B40 group.
“This is in line with the Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 goal to ensure that households in Sarawak achieve an income of at least RM15,000 per month,” he said.
In this regard, he also emphasised the importance of technology and training in producing a highly skilled workforce to ensure that modern agriculture becomes a profitable source of income.
“We need to change the way we think, use new technology, and train workers from all levels. The young generation needs to learn not just to find jobs, but to create opportunities to generate income, especially through the agricultural sector,” he stressed.
Also present were M-FICORD Deputy Minister, Datuk Martin Ben, M-FICORD Advisor, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Tamin Assemblyman, Ir. Christopher Gira Sambang, SARIB General Manager, Make Jiwan, Sarawak Department of Agriculture Director, Dominic Chunggat and Selangau District Officer, Yalin Asan.
