MALAYSIA: Rubber production incentive scheme kicks in this month

The Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) announced that the Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) scheme will be activated this month (July 2016) with the payment of 25 sen per kg for cup lump at farm-gate level (50% dry rubber content) in Peninsular Malaysia, 65 sen per kg in Sabah and 35 sen per kg in Sarawak.

In a statement released on 13 July 2016, MRB said smallholders can make their claims based on their production in June, starting 1 July until 29 July 2016.

The board added that smallholders who come under government agencies, including the Sabah Rubber Industry Board and the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, have to make their claims through these agencies.

Starting January 2016, MRB said, the IPG will be activated when the monthly average price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 free-on-board is at the level of RM5.50 per kg or the farm-gate price is at RM2.20 per kg or less.

Last month (June 2016), the board said, the average price for cup lump at farm-gate level in Peninsular Malaysia was at RM1.95 per kg, Sabah at RM1.55 per kg and Sarawak at RM1.85 per kg.

Source: “The Sun Daily”, Petaling Jaya; 14 July 2016

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)