KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is aiming to reclaim its position as the world's leading rubber producer within the next decade, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said here on Thursday.

This goal is within reach for the country, considering the replanting efforts and innovations within the rubber industry that are being carried out comprehensively and systematically, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said in his speech at the 2025 Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) Field Officers Convention.

RISDA, a Malaysian federal government agency under the ministry, is responsible for the growth and viability of the smallholder sector rubber industry through modernization, technical services, advice, training and education programs.

"We can achieve this within 10 years. Malaysia has 800,000 hectares of rubber plantations, with 400,000 hectares in need of replanting," he said.

"I am confident that, with the enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment of everyone involved, we will not only overcome the challenges ahead, but also elevate this industry to greater heights," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also highlighted that this initiative includes promoting the use of rubber wood in the furniture industry, not as raw material, but as treated rubber wood, thus increasing its market value.

"This means that the proceeds from rubber wood will become significantly more valuable. We anticipate that this will provide a sufficient resource for RISDA to operate independently, without relying on the government budget," he said. Enditem

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