KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is focusing on the ASEAN developing countries to support Malaysia's rubber sector as there is global demand for local rubber, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.

She said despite the rising competition globally, the ministry is confident that Malaysian manufacturers will keep their competitive advantage through pricing and advancement in research.

"Malaysia has successfully produced a new generation of natural rubber and graphene composite for the manufacture of aerospace balloons. This underscores the achievements made by the Malaysian rubber industries," she said.

Zuraida was speaking at the launch of the 10th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition (IRGCE) held in conjunction with the 3rd International Rubber Industry Convention and Expo (IRICE) and the Rubber Conference 2022.

Most Malaysian rubber products are produced sustainably and manufacturers are concerned about labour practices, she said.

She urged all stakeholders in the rubber industry to ensure a secure and sustainable future by balancing socioeconomic progress with environmental concerns.

"Our research centres, Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre, United Kingdom and Rubber Research Institute, Sungai Buloh have various research emphasis including advanced materials, products, engineering and biotechnology," she said.

The main purpose of the research centres is to support the Malaysian rubber industry, offer a variety of testing and other services.

These include compounding, physical testing, engineering design, tyre testing and analytical services, she added.

IRGCE is organised by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association and IRICE by the Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers Association (MRPMA). Both events were co-hosted by the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC).

According to the statement released in conjunction with the event, MRC has organised a two-day business matching programme under its global sourcing mission to link up Malaysian companies with potential international buyers.

MRC has also organised career talks on Sept 6 and 7 specifically for students from local public and private learning institutions to alleviate their exposure and knowledge of career opportunities within the Malaysian rubber and rubber glove industries.

IRGCE with the theme "Breaking Boundaries: Game Changing Initiatives" features products from 268 companies from among 17 countries in more than 633 booths.

Exhibitors comprise major players in the rubber glove supply chain including four of the world's largest glovemakers, latex and chemical suppliers, the statement said.

IRICE is organised by MRPMA to promote Malaysian dry rubber products used in various industries such as building and construction, engineering, electronics, automotive among others.

This exhibition, held concurrently with other events, is hosting 78 companies in 86 exhibition booths, making it the largest dry rubber products event in Malaysia, the statement said.

-- BERNAMA