Mahathir: Malaysia the largest rubber gloves exporter in the world
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is the largest and leading exporter of rubber gloves in the world, contributing 63% of the overall global supply, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In his keynote address at the Malaysian Medical Device Expo 2019 (MEDEX) today, Mahathir said the government will support the rubber glove industry by providing a conducive environment for the sector.
“The government is mindful of the need for a conducive environment to attract foreign investors, an inflow of foreign capital and encourage foreign technology.
“We will also also strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global market,” he said.
The prime minister added that Malaysia is estimated to produce 180 billion gloves this year.
A check by The Leaders Online showed that global demand for rubber gloves is growing but manufacturers are having a hard time coping with the demand due to labour shortage.
On related matter, YTY assistant vice president Akbaljit Singh, one of the largest suppliers of Nitrile Examination gloves, said he hoped that the government will help glove makers to address the labour shortage.
“The demand is getting higher but glove makers are finding it hard to supply as we don’t have enough workers,” he said.
YTY is one of the largest suppliers of Nitrile Examination gloves
On the expo, about 10,000 are expected to visit the exhibition which showcases the latest innovative technologies and advances in global medical devices.
The highlight of Mymedex exhibition is Medinova, a medical technology innovation conference and exhibition for shaping health outcomes focused in the Asia Pacific.
Around 150 companies and 20 countries participated in the expo; which involves product demonstrations, business matching, award ceremony and medical breakthrough exchanges that took place during Medinova.
MEDEX 2019, meanwhile, is aimed at creating a forum for global medical devices regulators, industries and stakeholders to discuss and share experiences on regulations and quality of medical devices.
By Hema Subramaniam
