Association appeals for payment of arrears to rubber tappers

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TUARAN: The president of the Bumiputera Farmers and Livestock Association Sabah (Petanah) Gaibin Ransoi, is appealing to  Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) to expedite the payment for rubber, which is now in arrears of four months, to rubber tappers throughout the state.

He said based on feedback received, LIGS was said to have purchased or taken rubber from the rubber tappers but has yet to settle the payment.

“Many are grumbling about this, asking how it could happen. There are some who have not been paid for four months. The truth is, a lot of rubber tappers in the state, including those in Kiulu (Tuaran), depend fully on the income from the sale of rubber.

“For sure, their lives will be made more difficult if this situation is prolonged. How will they eat if there is no income?” he told Bernama here yesterday.

In this regard, Gaibin wants LIGS to explain fully the delay in making payments, and at the same time, find a way to assist those concerned by expediting payment.

He said that Petanah was also asking the state Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries to investigate the matter and consequently, remedy it in line with the 1Malaysia concept of putting the interest of the people first. — Bernama