ARAU: Ahmad Jusof, 62, used to have sleepless nights when it rained.
As a rubber tapper, he could not go out and earn a living on rainy days.
He said the volatility of natural rubber prices also made it difficult for him to earn more.
The father of six said he took up odd jobs in the village to
supplement his income so that he could feed his family.
But at this age, he said, he could no longer do that.
“The prices of natural rubber dipped as low as RM1.40 per kg and I could hardly collect 10kg on a daily basis.
“How could I support my family with that small income?”
Ahmad is one of thousands of rubber tappers nationwide facing hardship due to erratic weather and fluctuations in rubber prices worldwide.
However, he was relieved when he was selected to take part in the MySuria programme in Kampung Rambai here.
“I am grateful. The programme eased my burden in providing for the family.”
His joy was shared by Kampung Rambai Village Security and Security Committee chairman Jamil Mat.
He said although the monthly income generated via the programme might seem insignificant to some, it was meaningful to most participants as it helped them wade through difficult times.
“All we need to do is to provide a space in our house compound to install solar panels. It does not affect our daily routine.
“Besides tapping rubber to earn a living, we are now enjoying a bonus through the solar energy project.
“Who would have thought of it? It would cost thousands of ringgit to install the panels, but the government has provided them to the villager here for free. We are grateful to the government for helping low-income earners.”
Jamil said the MySuria programme was a long-term investment by the government to help the Bottom 40 income group, who are mostly rubber tappers, in the village.
“Prior to this, we relied on tapping rubber and working in farms. This MySuria programme has helped us earn an additional income.”