Risda channelled an allocation of RM37.5 million to rubber smallholders nationwide this year to carry out various economic activities to generate their income.

Its deputy director-general (development) Wan Ahmad Shabri Zainuddin Wan Mohamad said the allocation was part of the 'Additional Economic Activity (AET)' programme and the 'Farm' programme.

"Through these programmes it is hoped that Risda's goal to enable rubber smallholders to earn an average income of RM4,000 a month per family by 2020 will materialise," he told reporters after opening Risda's Entrepreneur Carnival in Kota Baru today.

Risda had also established six Risda Smallholders Marts (RisSMart) since 2015, which includes the latest addition in October, at Bera, Pahang, to further expand the smallholders business network.

It had disbursed allocations RM630,000 for consultation services to entrepreneurs for standardised packaging and labelling processes and RM126,000 to 36 entrepreneurs to obtain halal certification from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim).

Wan Ahmad Shabri emphasised the importance of entrepreneurs to practice an open attitude and master technical skills, technology and marketing techniques to ensure the success of the action plan.

In the event, a directory of Risda's entrepreneurs was presented to him to promote its entrepreneurs in the state to a wider marketing network.

Meanwhile, Risda's Young Entrepreneur Icon, Ridzwah Mohd Hanafiah, 25, said from the aid and guidance since starting her 'serunding' business in 2011, she has been able to extend her market abroad.

The winner of the 2013 'Best National Serunding' said her business began with just one wok but was now able to produce 60kg of meat and chicken floss a day following her success in opening a 'serunding factory in 2013.

Ridzwah who chose to highlight her state's product now earns RM84,000 a year and is actively exploring new markets at international level.

- Bernama