Malaysia continues to lead globally in the production and supply of medical examination and surgical gloves as well as rubber gloves. The country is also forecasted to earn RM15.2 billion in revenue this year as global demand for rubber gloves will continue to be strong in 2017, according to a presentation made by Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association’s (MARGMA) President Denis Low at the organisation’s annual All CEOs’ Dinner.
The event, held recently at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya in Malaysia, saw a gathering of 50 rubber glove manufacturers and its affiliated industries based locally and overseas, comprising over 200 guests.
Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong was guest-of- honour at the event. Also in attendance were the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities Secretary General, Datuk M. Nagarajan and Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council CEO, Ms. Low Yoke Kiew.
According to Low, Malaysia exported 1.336 trillion pieces of gloves to 195 countries worldwide. The revenue was RM13.8 billion, slightly short of the forecast of RM14.3 billion.
Low also revealed some of the challenges faced by the industry in 2016. The commodity prices were very low which resulted in lower revenue. The industry also faced other rising costs and an acute labour shortage which is another reason for the slightly lower revenue versus the forecasted amount. The water shortage in some areas was a cause for concern.
The Minister, YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, in his speech, said that the government was very proud of the glove industry and will continue to be supportive of its efforts to gain more market share.
YB Datuk Seri Mah said he was positive that given a year or so, Malaysia can aspire to control 65% of the global market from the current 63%. The minister said that the government has set up a task force to look into labour issues and that water and natural gas issues will also be looked into with a view of overcoming shortages.
The event culminated with Low presenting a mock cheque of RM833,000 to MARGMA Foundation President Lim Kwee Shyan in the presence of YB Datuk Seri Mah, as part of the Association’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort to give back to the community.
“The funds for the CSR initiative were raised through the 8th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition (IRGCE) and will be used to support low income families,” said Low. “We would like todo our part in alleviating the financial burden of families in need.”
Lim said the disbursement of funds by MARGMA Foundation will mainly benefit students from poor and marginalised families. “We plan to give out financial aid and scholarships on a need basis to deserving students so they may have a chance at pursuing their education and an opportunity for a better life.”
YB Datuk Seri Mah said it was commendable for a thriving industry to pool funds to assist the underprivileged and that more should be done to ensure every child has a fair chance of reaching his or her fullest potential through proper guidance and education. The event concluded with a toast to a more fulfilling year ahead.