Malaysia will be cutting down its rubber glove export this year, according to Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), following a labour shortage dilemma in the country.
MARGMA President, Dennis Low Jau Foo, said Malaysia’s 4.5% decline in rubber glove export in the first half of 2019 has led to a careful revision of the product –the projected rubber glove export has been revised down to 188 billion pieces from 195 billion pieces, but still remains higher than last year’s export.
In addition, MARGMA has asked the Malaysian Government to allow it to hire more workers, in accordance with social compliance requirements as set by the European Union (EU) regulations. Although the EU social compliance requirements include cutting down on overtime, which couldresult in rubber glove shortage, Low said the association has appealed to the EU to give Malaysian industry players at least 18 months to adhere to its standards.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) is working on a Code of Conduct for the rubber product industry, focusing on several key issues related to the rights and welfare of workers in a safe and conducive work environment. The Code is hoped to instil discipline among rubber product companies and ensure their adherence to ethical practices.