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rubber in the world. About 46% of the total world’s rubber is produced in
Malaysia. The rubber plantation was started in Malaysia in 1877. First, the seedlings were
brought from the Amazon Basin, and were planted here on a experimental basis. Later, when
the rubber seedlings were successfully planted, attempts were made to produce it on a
commercial scale. The British people, who colonised the region and introduced rubber tree,
provided the capital for clearing the forest and planting rubber trees. They also provided the
market for rubber. The skilled labour that was needed was managed from India, particularly
from South India.
Rubber Tapping
Tapping is done by wounding the bark of the rubber trees. It is done by making a cut at
between one and a half metres from the ground at an angle of about 30° to the horizontal.
The cut is about 2 mm. deep. It is made in such a way as to sever the latex tube but not to
damage cambian – a paper like skin between the bark and the wood. When the liquid latex
flows out, it is collected in vessels. Tapping of the trees is usually done on alternate days.
Tapping starts before six in the morning, and the collection of latex is completely before
noon. Tapping work is done generally by hand. It is very laborious job and requires
considerable skill. There are several tapping system practised in Malaysia, but the most
popular is a "Sloping Cut" made half way round the circumference of the tree.
Rubber Processing
COAGULATION
The latex obtained from the tree is treated chemically at the plantation factory. After the
collection of latex, it is sieved to remove the foreign matter. After this, it is put into tanks and
coagulated or thickened by the addition of acetic or formic acid. Each tank may have several
aluminum partitions that allow the coagulated rubber to be removed in thick slabs. The slabs
are, then washed with acid and passed through rollers which press them into the rubber.
Rubber Export
Malaysia produces about 1-5 million tons of natural rubber annually. A major part of it is
sent to Singapore or Penang, from where it is exported all over the world.[6] The chief rubber-
importing countries are:
(i) Singapore (for re-export),
(ii) Russia and European countries,
(iii) the U.S.A.,
(iv) Japan and
(v) India.