KUALA LUMPUR: Glove manufacturers could switch their focus to tap the non-medical industry players as their clients to make the industry lucrative and continue to thrive rather than banking their focus on the healthcare sector per se, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin
She said industry players should be creatively exploring ways and means to make the glove industry lucrative and thriving again although certainly not at the similar pace when demand was soaring and average selling price skyrocketed to record levels.
Furthermore, she said the pandemic has sparked great awareness about the importance of hygiene to prevent contamination or even to curb the spread of diseases.
"After all, disposable non-medical grade gloves come in a range of sizes, colours, thicknesses and textures. Applications for such gloves exist in businesses from tattoo parlours to laboratories to childcare centres.
"While the food and beverages industry was only a small consumer of gloves for the longest of time, the past eight to 10 years has seen rising awareness level with industry players and consumers alike taking cognisance of the fact that handling food revolves around the levels of cleanliness," she said in a statement.
Zuraida noted that this even applies to the semiconductor electronic industry to protect an electrical or electronic component from contamination.
"In fact, I personally just completed a 10-nation tour which included Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan and Turkey to promote our commodities and open up new markets, and during the visits, we signed numerous memoranda of understanding, while taking the opportunity to dispel some allegations against our commodities and set the records straight," she said.
Hence, she stressed that the ministry would do its best to assist local manufacturers in securing new markets and 'spreading their wings' to non-medical sectors.
"We have constantly been working closely with our local industry players and by continuing to do so, there is no doubt that our local rubber glove industry will continue to thrive," she said
In this regard, she applauded the timely move by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association to tap the non-medical industries to drive future demand for non-medical grade gloves, considering the re-opening of borders would spur economic recovery.
"It is an open secret that prices of glove stocks on Bursa Malaysia have slumped substantially since the beginning of the second half of 2021.
"Painful as it is, we have to accept that it is highly unlikely that the 'gold rush' days at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, whereby every glove stock one touched turned into gold which then prompted the mushrooming of new industry players will recur anytime soon especially as the world is gradually transitioning into the endemic phase," she added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed May 04 2022
Glove manufacturers could switch their focus to tap the non-medical industry players as their clients to make the industry lucrative and continue to thrive rather than banking their focus on the healthcare sector per se. - BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.