ALOR STAR: The recent spell of rainy weather has not dampened the optimism of rubber smallholders in Kedah, who are reaping the benefits of scrap rubber prices hitting RM4.50 per kilogramme in recent months.
Despite the heavy rains disrupting their ability to harvest scrap rubber, smallholders remain hopeful as their recent crop is expected to support their income for now.
Bukit Tembaga Felda settlement chief Fisol Abd Aziz said that scrap rubber prices had surged to RM4.50 per kilogramme this year, the highest in nearly two decades.
This price increase has effectively doubled the income of rubber smallholders compared to the RM2.50 per kilogramme they were accustomed to in previous years.
"Alhamdulillah, the current price of RM4.50 per kilogramme represents an 80 per cent increase from the previous RM2.50 per kilogramme. However, the recent heavy rains have prevented tappers from working, hindering their ability to collect latex and process it into scrap rubber," he said when contacted today.
While the adverse weather conditions were a common challenge for rubber smallholders, especially during the monsoon season, Fisol hopes the government will maintain the Monsoon Season Aid (BMT) allocation to mitigate the impact on their income.
Rodhi Md Rejab, a 46-year-old rubber smallholder from Kubang Pasu, said that he earned a monthly profit of RM3,400 from selling scrap rubber.
"Despite the recent weather challenges, which have kept me from harvesting for the past six days, the price of RM4 per kilogramme remains encouraging," he said.
Jahaya Yaakob, 63, who manages a small estate, suggested that the government would consider raising the floor price of scrap rubber from RM3 to RM4.
"Prices are currently favourable, but a floor price of RM4 would provide even more stability. In March, during the dry season, prices were consistently at RM4.50 per kilogramme, benefiting smallholders significantly," he said.
According to the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue this week across Kedah.