MALAYSIA EXPORTS OVER RM33 BLN IN RUBBER, RUBBER-BASED PRODUCT ANNUALLY - JOHARI

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia exports more than RM33 billion worth of rubber and rubber-based products annually, driven by research and development (R&D) technologies developed by the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB).

Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said that although Malaysia currently imports an average of RM7.5 billion worth of natural rubber each year due to domestic production shortfalls, strong downstream and processing technologies have enabled the country to maintain high-value exports.

“If you look at the plantations, Malaysia has 1.1 million hectares, but only about 60 per cent is under cultivation. We still have roughly 40 per cent of rubber plantations inactive.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities is committed to ensuring that 400,000 hectares of idle land can be utilised for rubber planting,” he said in a speech at the 100-Year Rubber Research Celebration here today.

Johari said that to date, domestic natural rubber production is estimated at around 350,000 tonnes, which is still considered sustainable, but demand for these products exceeds one million tonnes.

“If investors in this sector can become more aggressively involved, it will strengthen the nation’s position, particularly because Malaysia is a leading force in R&D and technology in this industry,” he said.

He added that since its establishment, the MRB has commercialised more than 200 R&D technologies and registered 394 patents, further cementing Malaysia’s position as a global rubber innovation hub.

Meanwhile, MRB chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir said that in conjunction with the celebration, the MRB has drafted and launched the 2026–2030 Strategy Book to address global challenges, international compliance requirements, and sustainability demands.

He said the MRB has set a clear direction toward a future shaped by the industrial revolution.

“The MRB 2026–2030 strategy allocates special focus to advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation, aligned with digital transformation and optimisation of the organisation’s resources,” he said.

Ahmad Badri also said that this 100-year celebration is not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter; it is a symbol of humanity’s ability to turn natural resources into technology for the future.

“I call on everyone — researchers, entrepreneurs, and the global community — to continue collaborating, innovating, and moving forward together.

“Let us ensure that Malaysian rubber remains relevant and competitive and continues to be an important commodity for future generations,” he said.

-- BERNAMA