Latest news with #SarawakRISDA2025
Barnama
3 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.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Umno wants full ministerial quota after Tengku Zafrul's exit, says Ahmad Zahid
SERIAN: Umno is seeking to retain its full allocation of seven ministerial positions in the Federal Cabinet following the resignation of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz from the party, its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would consider reinstating the allocation in line with Umno's role in the unity government. 'To me, what's more important is that Umno remains represented by seven full ministers in the Cabinet. Although we are unsure whether Tengku Zafrul's appointment was on Umno's ticket, we had assumed he represented the party. 'Now that he is no longer with Umno, the number drops to six. So, it is only fair for Umno to request that the seat be returned to us,' he told reporters after attending the Sarawak RISDA 2025 'Makmur' Smallholders programme and pre-Gawai celebration here today. Ahmad Zahid also confirmed that the party has received Tengku Zafrul's resignation letter, which was submitted to Umno Executive Secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan. 'Yesterday, when we checked, it had not been received. But this morning, we verified that the letter had been delivered to Mohd Sumali. We acknowledge his resignation and withdrawal of membership from Umno,' he said. Tengku Zafrul, who is Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, had yesterday announced his resignation from Umno, including from his posts as Supreme Council member and Kota Raja division chief. He also disclosed his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), having informed PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh. Ahmad Zahid said Umno's legal team will review whether Tengku Zafrul has breached the agreement signed during the 15th General Election (GE15), which binds candidates to the party. 'For GE15 candidates, there is a clause in their statutory declaration that allows the party to impose a RM100 million penalty if they leave. Tengku Zafrul contested but lost, and was later appointed as a Senator. I will consult our legal advisers to examine the implications,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Umno seeks to retain seven Cabinet posts after Zafrul exit
SERIAN: Umno is seeking to retain its full allocation of seven ministerial positions in the Federal Cabinet following the resignation of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz from the party, its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would consider reinstating the allocation in line with Umno's role in the unity government. 'To me, what's more important is that Umno remains represented by seven full ministers in the Cabinet. Although we are unsure whether Tengku Zafrul's appointment was on Umno's ticket, we had assumed he represented the party. 'Now that he is no longer with Umno, the number drops to six. So, it is only fair for Umno to request that the seat be returned to us,' he told reporters after attending the Sarawak RISDA 2025 'Makmur' Smallholders programme and pre-Gawai celebration here today. Ahmad Zahid also confirmed that the party has received Tengku Zafrul's resignation letter, which was submitted to Umno Executive Secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan. 'Yesterday, when we checked, it had not been received. But this morning, we verified that the letter had been delivered to Mohd Sumali. We acknowledge his resignation and withdrawal of membership from Umno,' he said. Tengku Zafrul, who is Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, had yesterday announced his resignation from Umno, including from his posts as Supreme Council member and Kota Raja division chief. He also disclosed his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), having informed PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh. Ahmad Zahid said Umno's legal team will review whether Tengku Zafrul has breached the agreement signed during the 15th General Election (GE15), which binds candidates to the party. 'For GE15 candidates, there is a clause in their statutory declaration that allows the party to impose a RM100 million penalty if they leave. Tengku Zafrul contested but lost, and was later appointed as a Senator. I will consult our legal advisers to examine the implications,' he said.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
UMNO Wants Full Ministerial Quota After Tengku Zafrul's Exit, Says Ahmad Zahid
POLITICS SERIAN, May 31 (Bernama) -- UMNO is seeking to retain its full allocation of seven ministerial positions in the Federal Cabinet following the resignation of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz from the party, its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would consider reinstating the allocation in line with UMNO's role in the unity government. 'To me, what's more important is that UMNO remains represented by seven full ministers in the Cabinet. Although we are unsure whether Tengku Zafrul's appointment was on UMNO's ticket, we had assumed he represented the party. 'Now that he is no longer with UMNO, the number drops to six. So, it is only fair for UMNO to request that the seat be returned to us,' he told reporters after attending the Sarawak RISDA 2025 'Makmur' Smallholders programme and pre-Gawai celebration here today. Ahmad Zahid also confirmed that the party has received Tengku Zafrul's resignation letter, which was submitted to UMNO Executive Secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan. 'Yesterday, when we checked, it had not been received. But this morning, we verified that the letter had been delivered to Mohd Sumali. We acknowledge his resignation and withdrawal of membership from UMNO,' he said. Tengku Zafrul, who is Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, had yesterday announced his resignation from UMNO, including from his posts as Supreme Council member and Kota Raja division chief. He also disclosed his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), having informed PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh. Ahmad Zahid said UMNO's legal team will review whether Tengku Zafrul has breached the agreement signed during the 15th General Election (GE15), which binds candidates to the party.
