adminKUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) — Malaysia should drive innovation by developing more specialised and higher-value rubber products, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She said the rubber industry must accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and invest in developing the necessary talent to advance the industry in the future
“To remain competitive, Malaysia must continue to adapt and improve. Our goal is clear — to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a trusted global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products,” said Noraini in her keynote address at the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership and Networking Dinner, here today.
Noraini urged the industry to strengthen sustainable and resilient supply chains while expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products, in line with the MADANI Economy, New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and National Agricommodity Policy (DAKN) 2021–2030
“We must improve traceability, meet sustainability standards and strengthen our local supply of natural rubber. This is important to ensure that our manufacturers have a stable supply of raw materials.
“The rubber industry must expand into new markets. Through trade efforts and close cooperation with our agencies and industry partners, we will work to overcome trade barriers and create more opportunities for Malaysian rubber products in existing and new markets,” she said.
Noraini emphasised that her ministry will continue to provide policies and regulations that support the growth of the industry, mainly strengthening local natural rubber supply.
“The ministry will continue to maintain an open and positive relationship with the industry. I am confident that the MRC will continue to support the changing needs of Malaysia’s rubber products industry,” she added.
Earlier, Noraini witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between MRC and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Monash University Malaysia, as well as a tripartite MoU exchange involving MRC, the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
The MoUs aim to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies and develop higher-value rubber products.
— BERNAMA
