Conduct R&D To Come Up With New Technologies In Rubber Industry
The natural rubber industry is projected to contribute an estimated RM52 billion in Gross National Income (GNI) by 2020 from a GNI of RM18 billion recorded in 2009.
Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Hamzah Zainudin said new technology findings would ensure the country's rubber industry remained stable and competitive.
"We can take pride in our past research and development initiatives which have aided our natural rubber industry to grow dynamically and made our Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) a renowned entity in the world in natural rubber research," he said at the Malaysian Rubber Board Award Night Thursday night.
Hamzah however cautioned that Malaysia should not be complacent over its past successes and achievements.
"It is important that every invention and innovation is commercialised quickly to boost the nation's revenue and to benefit consumers.
As such, Malaysian Rubber Board researchers must be consumer-oriented and cost conscious so that new products introduced met industry requirements and can be used by consumers and not burden them.
"When a new product is introduced in the market, it must be user-friendly to target groups. I really hope new findings are quickly passed on to target groups.
In this regard, he said, close working relations were crucial between the Malaysian Rubber Board, implementing agencies and related organisations.
"The test of close collaboration is the effective technology transfer of the new findings.
"I believe with the dedication and commitment of Malaysian Rubber Board officials, we will be able to face current and future challenges in the industry and transform Malaysia into a Global Centre of Excellence for Rubber," he added.
Earlier, Malaysian Rubber Board chairman Datuk Wira Haji Ahmad Haji Hamzah said the board was committed to implement programmes which could boost work productivity.
"We are prepared to make amends to our work culture to improve our delivery system to the country and people," he added - BERNAMA