MALAYSIA needs to find ways to switch from scrap rubber (cup lump) to improve latex production, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said this is because Malaysia still imports around 80% of its latex at a cost of around RM3 billion.

“Malaysia is the world’s largest rubber producer and a glove-producing country, with latex as its primary material. But why do we have to import latex?

“Even though it involves a lot of work and there is a lack of manpower as most rubber tappers are aged around 60 to 70, we need to find ways to produce (more) latex because, in Malaysia, there are only seven depots for latex production.”

He said this during an RTM morning programme today.

Zahid said some ways to facilitate latex production include strengthening existing cooperatives and working with civil society organisations related to rubber estate settlers.

He said this in response to the increased allocation for the Rural and Regional Development Ministry compared with RM500 million less in 2022 and how it could benefit target groups, especially rubber tappers.

In Malaysia, cup lumps are more popular among rubber tappers than latex, which involves a more complex production process.

To produce cup lumps, tappers need to leave rubber tree sap to harden in cups before collecting the yield after three days. With latex, they have to wait for the sap to stop dripping between four and five hours before collection. – Bernama, February 25, 2023.