MOST people, especially the younger generation, may not know the importance of rubber to Malaysia.
In fact, at the point of independence, Malaysia supplied about one third of the world’s natural rubber production; and rubber export accounted for about two third of the total Malaysian exports and furnished a substantial part of the national revenue.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these during his opening speech at the 100th anniversary dinner of the Rubber Trade Association of Penang (RTA Penang) at G Hotel today.
The dinner was also held to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Northern Malaya Rubber Millers and Packers Association.
“Penang, especially George Town, was an entrepot (free port) up to 1969. Export through the Penang port accounted for one third of the total Malaysian rubber exports.
“Established in 1919, RTA Penang served as a rubber exchange to facilitate rubber trade and disseminate trading information to its members.
“After the Malaysian Rubber Exchange was formed, the Association had switched to play a key role in resolving trade disputes amongst members and as a conduit on trade policy debates with the Government.
“Together with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Aceh Trade Association, they led a ten-year effort to slow down the imposition of taxes on import and exports of rubber into the island and the eventual removal of Penang’s free port status in 1969,” Chow said.
He also commended RTA Penang members for being generous donors.
“The Board members are also active in the civic society and schools. They are the one of the biggest supporters in funding education and charity bodies in the state,” he said.
Chow said it is his hope to see continuous generosity and support from RTA Penang to the state by supporting the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“I believe RTA Penang can play their part in helping the state to achieve the Penang2030 vision. Their experience and expertise will be supportive in the achievement of this vision and the development of Penang.
“The RTA Penang has witnessed and participated in the country’s economic development for a century and counting, it is only fitting that they receive our heartiest congratulations on this exceptional milestone,” Chow added.
RTA Penang and Northern Malaya Rubber Millers and Packers Association president Phuah Choon Meng said the rubber trading landscape had undergone tremendous changes for the past 100 years.
“RTA Penang continues to give its support and protected the interests of rubber businessmen – packers, exporters, dealers and millers.
“We sincerely hope that rubber merchants, as before, continue to give support and encouragement to each other; and to give their cooperation to the respective associations and the Malaysian Rubber Board so that the rubber industry may grow from strength to strength,” he said.
The two associations also contributed a total of RM1.63 million to 10 charitable organisations during the dinner.
The associations also launched a commemorative book to mark their respective anniversaries.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi