Ministry plans to consolidate smallholder rubber plots into larger estates

PIC BY NSTP/NOORAZURA ABDUL RAHMAN
PADANG TERAP: The Plantation and Commodities Ministry is developing a strategy to consolidate smallholder rubber plots into larger, systematically managed estates in a bid to reduce Malaysia's dependence on imported natural rubber.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said the initiative is crucial as the country continues to import about RM7 billion worth of natural rubber annually, despite having the capacity to produce it domestically.
"We're not taking their land away. The aim is to consolidate the plots so they can be managed more effectively. If one smallholder owns three hectares, we'll group several together to form an estate of 30 to 50 hectares.
"If no one is willing to manage it, the government can step in and bring in foreign workers to work the land.
"We're not expecting the landowners' children to do the work themselves, but we still want to ensure the land generates income," he said after opening the Padang Terap Umno division delegates meeting at the Padang Kerasak Community Centre in Naka today.
Also present was state Umno liaison committee chairman and Padang Terap Umno division chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
Johari said data showed that nearly 95 per cent of Malaysian smallholders own rubber plots ranging from two to four hectares, most of which are no longer actively cultivated.
He said this finding was supported by his field visits, during which many landowners revealed they had stopped working their land as they were financially supported by their children.
"Elderly women I met told me their children each send RM100 a month. If they have five children, that's RM500, enough for basic needs. So, they don't feel the need to return to the fields.
"Some are also afraid of being cheated when selling their produce. They say they sometimes make only RM25 a day. Eventually, they abandon the land," he said.
Johari said the land consolidation plan would be implemented in phases, starting with areas showing development potential.
"If we can start by consolidating 100 or 200 acres and demonstrate the benefits, others will eventually follow. But getting started is not easy. It takes time."
He acknowledged challenges, especially in cases where land is inherited by multiple heirs, which complicates efforts to redevelop.
"I met someone with 10 hectares of land, but ownership is divided among six children. Some now live in other states, and some don't agree.
"In the end, nothing can be done. Even changing the name on the land title is difficult. If we resort to compulsory acquisition, the process becomes even more complicated."
He stressed that the government has no intention of taking over land ownership, but aims to work with landowners to restore productivity, whether for latex production or rubber exports.
Johari added that closed-door briefing sessions with community leaders in Padang Terap will continue to help fine-tune the plan's implementation.
"I would like to thank all local leaders who gave me the opportunity to engage. These closed-door discussions are more effective as I can directly clarify matters and prevent misunderstandings," he said.

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