SEGAMAT: The use of cold mix asphalt (CMA) for the construction and surfacing of roads in the country will benefit about 440,000 rubber smallholders, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the use of the rubber-based CMA, was seen as a boost for the consumption of the rubber in the country especially in the construction sector which would in turn bring better prices for the commodity.

“It will benefit rubber smallholders when the Public Works Department (PWD) starts using the raw material (CMA) to build and surface roads throughout the country.

“It will be boon to all rubber smallholders when demand for rubber expands due to its latest useful application,” he said when speaking at the launch of the reconstructed federal road between Yong Peng and Tenang here today.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, Deputy Works Minister, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Chua Tee Yong. — BERNAMA