RM160 mln for 320,000 rubber smallholders

KUCHING: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority ( Risda) has allocated RM160 million in aid to be distributed to around 320,000 smallholders nationwide who have been affected by the slump in rubber prices.

Risda director- general Datuk Wan Mohamad Zuki Mohamad said each smallholder would receive a one- off RM500 payment.

“As an implementation agency, Risda realises the burden faced by smallholders who faced around a RM10 drop in rubber price per kg, compared to in 2011. ” he explained at the Sarawak Risda Quality Day yesterday.

In his speech, Zuki reminded Risda staff to focus on giving first class service to the smallholders.

“We should accept the fact that quality of work requires strategic planning and extra effort. It is achievable through an attitude of integrity and good ethics during our course of work,” he said.

He added that Risda staff should equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and always seek to improve themselves.

“Be innovative in your work and always put our quality of service as a priority. With that in mind I am sure Risda can emerge as a top performing agency,” he said.

Meanwhile, Risda state director Wahid Marican Mohamad Daud Marican said the authority had achieved a new milestone by cooperating with the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission ( MACC).

“The MoU (memorandum of understanding) will see closer ties between both agencies to act against any corruption or bribery among the staff of Risda. This will help to promote the integrity attitude among our staff,” he said.