TONGOD: The RM2.50 floor price of scrap rubber is discriminatory towards small farmers who have been coughing up double lately for pesticides and fertilisers.
Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah said the price has been the same since 2016 and the commodity is now experiencing the worst price in 20 years.
“The Government cannot turn a blind eye because the floor price is set by the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities.
“Raise the floor price to RM3.50 and extend the Monsoon Season Aid in the coming Budget 2023 in October,” he urged.
The independent assemblyman warned that neglect of rubber farmers’ plights would cost the Government dearly in the general election.
“If this continues, the country will keep falling down the ladder as the world’s biggest rubber exporter. Many rubber farmers have already shifted to other commodities.
“The Government needs to come up with a new formula to increase the price of rubber.
“Small farmers are already suffering from inflation,” said the Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Board.
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