Rubber City to rise at Malaysia-Thai border

A joint effort between two of the world’s biggest rubber producers, Malaysia and Thailand, aptly named “Rubber City” near the Kedah-Thai border is gaining support. These two countries are taking a much-awaited step forward in the establishment of rubber and rubber-based industries that are worldclass and will significantly help them maintain their lead in the global market.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak discussed the plan with his Thai counterpart, Yingluck Shinawatra, on the sidelines of the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Summit in Russia.

At present, Malaysia is the world’s largest rubber gloves supplier, accounting for over 60% of the total market, whilst Thailand is a world-renowned producer of automobile tyres. The Malaysian Government is expected to seek the assistance of its former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to lead the study on the Rubber City joint-proposal and identify the most appropriate priority projects for implementation. Dr Mahathir is a staunch supporter of the rubber industry and has given his advice in support of the industry in the past decades. He was also tapped to deliver keynote address on “Vision for the Rubber Industry” at the International Rubber Technology and Economic Conference scheduled on 10-11 October in Kuala Lumpur.

Support for the development of rubber-related industries in Kedah will enable companies in Malaysia and Thailand to obtain competitive prices for their rubber to ensure uninterrupted supply of the raw material to these manufacturing facilities. As demand has been on the rise, Malaysia has become an importer of natural rubber, sourcing its supply from ThailandAir Force 1 High KPU