Latest news with #RISDA
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
RISDA Launches Major Mission To Empower Sarawak Rubber Smallholders
SERIAN, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through its agency the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Sarawak's rubber smallholder community with a comprehensive development plan. As part of this effort, RISDA announced a RM42.69 million allocation for strategic development programmes aimed at empowering smallholders across the state. The announcement was made during the Pekebun Kecil Makmur programme and pre-Gawai 2025 celebration, held in Kampung Raeh Baru today, which around 1,000 smallholders and local residents attended. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the event, which aimed to foster closer ties between the ministry, rural communities and rubber smallholders in the region. In addition to outlining development plans, RISDA also distributed food aid to 100 residents as part of the RISDA Foundation's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. One of the recipients, Minang Dawi, 43, stated that RISDA had played a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods of smallholders in Kampung Raeh Baru, particularly through replanting initiatives and support for supplementary crops such as pineapples, lemongrass and bananas. 'These are now bearing fruit and bringing returns,' she said, adding that she hoped RISDA could also help farmers reach broader markets. 'Our crops are thriving, but we don't yet know how to market them more widely. We hope RISDA can support us in this area,' she added. Another rubber smallholder, Tajan Paing, 70, expressed gratitude for RISDA's support, which had helped his rubber trees begin to yield, but urged the agency to improve the poor farm roads that continue to hamper access and transportation.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Build Depot To Boost Rubber Production In Sarawak
GENERAL SERIAN, May 31 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) to build a high performance depot (DPT) in Sarawak, as soon as possible. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the proposed depot will be built in the Samarahan Division. He added that the depot is expected to enhance the efficiency of Sarawak's rubber supply chain, and support smallholders in marketing their products. 'Currently, we plan to build two DPTs in each state. In Sarawak, one will be in Samarahan, while the location for the second is yet to be determined,' he told reporters, after attending the Sarawak RISDA 2025 smallholders programme and Pre-Gawai Day celebration, here, today. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, also highlighted that Malaysia spends RM6 billion annually on rubber imports, to meet the needs of the country's industries. He added that to reduce dependency on imports, RISDA has been tasked with strengthening efforts to boost local latex production. 'Currently, 87 per cent of the country's rubber output comes from smallholders, with only about 13 per cent from large plantations. This shows how heavily we rely on smallholders. 'RISDA is responsible for coordinating engagement sessions with smallholder associations and individual smallholders, to increase latex production,' he said. At present, Sarawak has approximately 161,000 hectares of rubber plantations, with more than 98,000 smallholders involved in the sector.
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Bung Moktar Named RISDA adviser to champion Sabah rubber smallholders
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Participants of the Sabah State Level Pekebun Kecil Makmur Programme posing with Zahid and Bung Moktar in Tenom. TENOM: Sabah rubber smallholders are expected to gain stronger national representation following the appointment of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin as National Honorary Adviser for RISDA. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Bung was selected to ensure Sabah's smallholders have a voice in national policymaking and to help drive the rubber industry's transformation. Advertisement Sabah, with the largest rubber plantation area in Malaysia at over 202,000 hectares, should be a national priority, Zahid said during the Pekebun Kecil Makmur event in Tenom on Sunday. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Proposed 'pension-like' payments under SSPA can help protect retirees from scams
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to introduce 'pension-like' payments for permanent appointees under the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) can help protect retirees from falling victim to scams, said Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. The Public Service director-general (KPPA) said the move would also ensure retirees' savings are managed more efficiently. 'Based on simulations conducted with the Finance Ministry (MOF) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), those who enter service at Grade 1 at the age of 20 and retire at 60, with 40 years of service, would have accumulated savings of RM1.36 million. 'I am currently drafting a proposal (for those retiring under the new scheme) to also receive monthly payments similar to pensioners. Both EPF and MOF have agreed to this. 'For instance, if the retiree requires around RM25,000 a year, the balance of the savings will be reinvested in EPF, allowing them to earn dividends at year-end. I believe this is a very attractive model,' he told a press conference after the 'Bicara Figura: Menelusuri Aspirasi Memaknai Reformasi' at the RISDA headquarters here today. Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the finalised proposal would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for consideration this October. He said the study on the implementation of the new concept is in its final stage before being submitted to the Cabinet. 'I have already presented the initial concept to the prime minister, and in October, I will present the final version. 'The proposal still needs to go through the Cabinet, Parliament and another necessary process, as we are shifting from the current permanent and pensionable appointment system, which is enshrined in the Constitution and relevant laws, to a new system,' he said. Prior to this, Anwar said the government is reviewing a new method for permanent appointments and contributions and conducting in-depth studies to determine the best strategy for the government and newly appointed civil servants. The Bicara Figura programme is a strategic initiative organised by RISDA to serve as a high-impact platform for inspiration and knowledge-sharing by prominent figures in the public sector and organisational development. The programme aims to promote values of leadership, accountability, innovation and a culture of excellence in facing current challenges in management and service delivery.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Proposed SSPA payments may shield retirees from scams
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to introduce 'pension-like' payments for permanent appointees under the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) can help protect retirees from falling victim to scams, said Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. The Public Service director-general (KPPA) said the move would also ensure retirees' savings are managed more efficiently. 'Based on simulations conducted with the Finance Ministry (MOF) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), those who enter service at Grade 1 at the age of 20 and retire at 60, with 40 years of service, would have accumulated savings of RM1.36 million. 'I am currently drafting a proposal (for those retiring under the new scheme) to also receive monthly payments similar to pensioners. Both EPF and MOF have agreed to this. 'For instance, if the retiree requires around RM25,000 a year, the balance of the savings will be reinvested in EPF, allowing them to earn dividends at year-end. I believe this is a very attractive model,' he told a press conference after the 'Bicara Figura: Menelusuri Aspirasi Memaknai Reformasi' at the RISDA headquarters here today. Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the finalised proposal would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for consideration this October. He said the study on the implementation of the new concept is in its final stage before being submitted to the Cabinet. 'I have already presented the initial concept to the prime minister, and in October, I will present the final version. 'The proposal still needs to go through the Cabinet, Parliament and another necessary process, as we are shifting from the current permanent and pensionable appointment system, which is enshrined in the Constitution and relevant laws, to a new system,' he said. Prior to this, Anwar said the government is reviewing a new method for permanent appointments and contributions and conducting in-depth studies to determine the best strategy for the government and newly appointed civil servants. The Bicara Figura programme is a strategic initiative organised by RISDA to serve as a high-impact platform for inspiration and knowledge-sharing by prominent figures in the public sector and organisational development. The programme aims to promote values of leadership, accountability, innovation and a culture of excellence in facing current challenges in management and service delivery.
