RISDA ENHANCING INFORMATION DELIVERY SYSTEM TO SMALLHOLDERS – CHAIRMAN

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) is focusing on efforts to enhance the effectiveness of its information delivery system to its target groups, said its Chairman Manndzri (rpt: Manndzri) Nasib.

He said this initiative aims to ensure that all development-related information is communicated effectively and efficiently, while enabling smallholders to better understand the opportunities available to them.

“Through outreach programmes in every area, RISDA officers will disseminate good agricultural practices, raise awareness on the importance of optimal farm maintenance, and ensure that every programme is carried out according to the key performance indicators set.

“This effort is crucial to improving rubber production and, subsequently, increasing the income of smallholders,” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of the Sabah Smallholders Engagement Programme 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.

The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Rural and Regional Development Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Meor Ismail Meor Akim, and RISDA Director-General Zainal Azni Zulkifli.

Manndzri also expressed his utmost appreciation to Ahmad Zahid for the support and trust given to RISDA.

He emphasised that RISDA is currently mapping out steps towards becoming the country’s main rubber buyer, and Sabah is on the right track in this initiative through efforts inspired by Ahmad Zahid in advancing the Aspirasi Desa MADANI agenda.

Meanwhile, he said RISDA is confident that the rubber planting area, farm productivity, and smallholder income in Sabah can continue to improve over time through efficient information dissemination, well-structured assistance, and good agronomic practices.

Since 2010, he said, RISDA has remained committed to playing an important role in ensuring that the smallholder rubber sector in Sabah develops sustainably.

He said this is evident through the agency’s serious efforts to strengthen the rural development and rubber industry ecosystem, from farm development and productivity enhancement to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of communities.

“This effort does not only drive Sabah’s rubber industry, but also stimulates socio-economic growth, opens new opportunities for smallholders, and elevates the competitiveness of rural communities,” he said.

According to him, the Smallholders Engagement Programme was introduced to provide targeted information while serving as a platform to ensure that all guidance, support programmes, and information are delivered comprehensively, accurately, and promptly to the intended groups.

Manndzri also stressed that RISDA and smallholders—particularly in Sabah—play complementary roles in the agricultural, economic entrepreneurship, and social aspects of the state’s rubber development ecosystem.

“This relationship must be preserved through programmes and activities aligned with our objectives, as the success of each initiative depends on the cooperation and support of all parties. In Sabah, the strong relationship between RISDA and the smallholder community remains excellent and harmonious, and this is our strength,” he said.

-- BERNAMA