The use of cold mix asphalt (CMA) to build and surface roads will benefit about 440,000 rubber smallholders in Malaysia, says Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the use of the rubber-based CMA would boost the consumption of rubber in the country especially in the construction sector, which would in turn bring better prices for the commodity.
“It will benefit rubber smallholders when the Works Department starts using the raw material to build and surface roads throughout the country.
“It will be a boon to all rubber smallholders when demand for rubber expands due to its latest useful application,” he said when speaking at the launch of the reconstructed federal road between Yong Peng and Tenang in Segamat recently.
Also present were Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin, Deputy Works Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Chua Tee Yong.
Ahmad Zahid said CMA technology using natural rubber would reduce cracks on the road and therefore bring down maintenance costs in the long run.
“I am proposing the application of CMA technology for the whole country. I am also offering Bagan Datuk district for the CMA project on a large-scale this year,” he said.
He said smallholders supply 95% of the 720,000 tonnes of natural rubber produced nationwide and the government would always protect the fate of rubber smallholders as its main focus.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the people should reject the opposition with its destructive attitude, which would bring negative impact to the people and country.
“A constructive opposition gives suggestions to benefit the country but in this country the opposition with its destructive attitude rejects all good ideas of the government. Do not allow the opposition to take root,” he said.
He said unlike the opposition, Barisan Nasional continued to protect the interests of the people at all time and not only during certain seasons.
(RJA)
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