RUBBER tappers in Baling are not asking for handouts from Putrajaya. They just want a fair price for their hard work.

They say the current RM1 per kg price for latex does not allow them to earn a decent wage.

They want the price raised to between RM3 and RM4 per kg.

The rubber tappers also said that for every kilogramme of latex produced, half the money earned goes to the owner of the smallholding.

Mohamad Nor Manas said the highest he’s seen is RM7 per kg when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was prime minister.

Since then prices have dropped significantly.

The Malaysian Rubber board has set the floor price for rubber at RM2.20 per kg.

“All we want is for the price to increase to between RM3 and RM4. At this price, we will not need Bantuan Sara Hidup or BR1M,” said the 61-year-old when met at Kampung Cherok Puteh in Baling, Kedah

Wan Hamid Mat Piah, 69, said their association, Persatuan Pengusaha dan Penoreh Getah (Pergetah), had raised the matter with the authorities.

Last August, Putrajaya had promised to review the floor price for rubber.

Primary Industries Deputy Minister Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin at the time said a study was being made to increase the price to between RM3 and RM4 per kg.

Pergetah chairman Mohd Taufik Yaacob said the government should enter into an agreement with other rubber producing countries.

“The government can’t be on this alone. They should see what can be done about the price with other producers,” he said.

He noted the floor price won’t last as buyers will turn to rubber producers who sell at lower prices.

He said Putrajaya could also help by pushing for new uses of rubber products, adding that those involved in manufacturing could be given incentives to produce more rubber-based goods.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in the Budget 2019 had said the government will channel RM50 million to help smallholders if prices fall below RM2.20.

He said the government will use rubber in road construction work through the Cuplump Modified Bitumen (CMB) technology which will help bump up demand. – November 17, 2018.