The global demand for rubber glove is estimated to increase by 8 per cent in 2014 compared to 2013, with a projected output of 178.6 billion pieces.

Malaysia is the world's leading producer and exporter of rubber gloves and it enjoys a global market share of 63 per cent -- with its dominance expected to grow continuously.

Currently, Malaysia is the one supplier of rubber gloves in 120 countries out of the 196 that it exports to and has kept a lead over rivals in Thailand and Indonesia, due to advances in technology and relatively cheap production costs.

Last year, Malaysia export turnover for rubber gloves has reached RM10.5 billion.

Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) expects the figure to hit RM12 billion this year.

The demand for rubber gloves will mainly be driven by improvement in healthcare awareness, healthcare reforms with more stringent regulations following outbreak of diseases like H1NI influenza and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in recent years.

“Approximately 11 percent of the world’s population are consuming 70 percent of the rubber gloves. If you look at it, there’s lot of potential to grow in this industry."

"By the time the 89 percent gets used to working and using gloves, coupled with increasing health awareness and budget in healthcare, we see more growth potential“ said Lee Kim Meow, organising chairman of the 7th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition (IRGCE) at the conference's MOU signing ceremony today.

The 7th IRCGE is jointly organised by Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) and (MREPC).

Themed 'A State of the Glove Affair’, the conference will see participation from more than 100 exhibitors from 12 countries. Among the major rubber glove producers to take part are Hartalega, Kossan, Latexx Partners, Supermax and Top Glove.

Supporting industries to the rubber glove market, such as chemical and machinery companies as well as international brands and manufacturers of medical devices will also participate in the event between 2 and 4 September at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“The conference also serves as a platform for all stakeholders including regulators to exchange ideas on improvement in processing technologies, product innovation, green technology, packaging, automation and other new advances in technologies in related to product manufacturing,” said MARGMA president Lim Kwee Shyan.