Details on the actual value and transaction for the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) land in Sungai Buloh is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak before the year ends.

Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities G. Palanivel said, “Negotiations are still going on (between Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). We cannot disclose the details at this juncture because we don't have the full details yet”.

He said this when replying to a question on whether MRB will get a replacement land from the government due to the redevelopment of Sungai Buloh and also the areas that have been earmarked for a depot for the mass rapid transit (MRT) trains.

MRB owns 3,300 acres of land in Sungai Buloh.

It is understood that MRB has given over 100 acres for the MRT projects.

Meanwhile, MRB's Director-General Dr Salmiah Ahmad said the funding from the transaction will be used to develop the facilities of Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM).

These would include its headquarters, a centre for excellence that houses research and development amenities, a business cluster to encourage foreign investments, the Royal Commodity College that prepares trained work force for the industry as well as a museum. - Bernama