Throughout the 7th Malaysia Plan, about 1781 ha. of Mini Rubber Estate was set up in Saratok District. The type of rubber trees planted was of the ‘Latex-Timber Clone’ variety.

According to Encik Abu Bakar Jahan, the Assistant Agriculture Officer of the District, this variety of rubber is characterised by rapid maturity where the latex can be harvested aplenty just after 5 years of planting. Further-more, when the trees reach 20 years, they can be felled and turn into wood for furniture.

Encik Abu Bakar added that the mini estates can be found in 5 locations in the District involving 490 families of farmers. These areas are Luau-Awik; Kawang-Derau; Kaki Wong; Babang-Mapar; and at Sg. Kelampai. The first batch of latex from this variety of trees encompassing an area of 600 ha. is expected to be tapped in 2002.

A scheme has been devised whereby the tapping, collection and marketing of latex will be managed by the Area Farmer’s Organisation under the concept called ‘Centralised Exploitation’ system.

For more information about this and other agriculture news from Saratok, please get in touch with Encik Abu Bakar Jahan at Tel. 083-436128.

‘Latex-Timber Clone’ variety of rubber trees at 4 years old. Successful harvesting will boost income of farmers.

Part of the 1781 ha. mini rubber estate