KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian glovemakers are well-prepared to meet the expected rise in glove demand due to the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, said the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA).
MARGMA president, Oon Kim Hung, said the association anticipates increased demand following the World Health Organisation's (WHO) August declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern.
"However, there won't be any shortages, as our industry is always well-prepared.
"We also urge the public to keep a sufficient stock of gloves for the outbreak and avoid panic buying," he said in a press conference at the 11th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition (IRGCE 2024) here today.
MARGMA today launched the IRGCE 2024, which is expected to attract over 12,000 global visitors and industry experts.
Themed "Towards an Effective, Sustainable, and Innovative Rubber Glove Industry," the three-day event will focus on advancing innovation and sustainability in the rubber glove industry.
Oon said the association is excited to bring together industry experts and stakeholders to shape the discussion for the future of the rubber glove industry.
He noted that the rubber glove industry trade has surged from last year, reaching a total of RM6.8 billion in the first six months of 2024 alone.
"Malaysia's rubber glove industry is a cornerstone of our economy, accounting for over 60 per cent of our rubber product exports.
"2023 was undoubtedly a trying year for our industry players, having faced challenges from the collapse of average selling price to geopolitical uncertainties.
"However, we have emerged stronger, with export figures showing a clear indication of our industry's resilience," he said.
As the world's largest exhibition of the rubber glove industry, IRGCE 2024 carries an impressive lineup of 174 companies from Malaysia, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Indonesia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and others.
All 553 booths will be held across five exhibition halls at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The exhibition highlights a diverse range of products and services, including glove manufacturers and distributors, chemical manufacturers, disposable medical devices, equipment manufacturers and distributors, automation and innovation solutions, services, government bodies, as well as related packaging and publications, and more.