The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated RM37.2 million to the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to implement the first phase of development programmes in Kelantan this year.
Deputy Minister Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said among the development programmes to be implemented were rubber replanting and entrepreneurial programmes to increase the income of smallholders.
“We hope we will be able to allocate the same amount in the second phase of allocation and this is important in our efforts to narrow the income gap between rural and urban populations,” he said.
He also said the allocation showed the federal government’s concern in assisting the people, especially those in rural areas.
He added that apart from Risda, the ministry also directed its other agencies, such as the Kelantan Selatan Development Authority to assist the people to overcome problems.