PUTRAJAYA: The need to increase the diesel allocation for smallholders, easier access to funding for farm roads and alternative water sources were among the matters raised at a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and representatives of smallholders and commodity sector operators on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Anwar said the meeting also discussed a proposal to strengthen the representation of smallholders' voices in Parliament, as well as overlapping functions between the Malaysian Rubber Board and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority.
"I appreciate every view put forward. Several matters will be discussed immediately at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting, as well as during my meeting with the Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers next month.
"Not all of them may be implemented immediately due to current constraints, but the MADANI Government will do its best to seek solutions within its means. Insya-Allah, any decisions will be announced in Budget 2027," he said in a post on X on Tuesday.
Earlier, Anwar attended a meeting with staff of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities here, followed by a closed-door meeting with Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, representatives of smallholders and operators in the rubber, oil palm, cocoa, pepper, kenaf and timber sectors.
He said other matters requiring attention included income, improvements in quality and production yields, farm road infrastructure, as well as the housing conditions of smallholders.
The Prime Minister said the plantation and commodities sector also contributed to the strength of the national economy, which recorded six per cent growth in the second quarter of this year, exceeding all initial forecasts.
"The plantation and commodities sector also contributed to this strength, including smallholders who, collectively, make a significant contribution to the economy and national revenue. Therefore, their voices must be heard, and their welfare must continue to be looked after," he said. – Bernama
