THE Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers’ Association (Margma) wants Putrajaya to allow its members to continue production at full capacity.

It is crucial to keep manufacturing medical gloves amid the high demand for them as the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic, said the group.

“Our members have received requests from 190 countries for more gloves to be supplied,” it said in a statement today.

“Margma members are able to ramp up production, provided that the government gives us the green light.

“Malaysia has to supply about 225 billion pieces of this protective medical equipment to 190 countries, and we cannot stop as the coronavirus is spreading rapidly.”

The National Security Council yesterday said manufacturers that are permitted to operate during the movement-control order (MCO) enforcement period can only run at 50% capacity.

Margma said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the mounting disruption to the global supply of personal protective equipment caused by rising demand, panic-buying, hoarding and misuse is putting lives at risk.

“WHO has called on industries and governments to increase manufacturing by 40% to meet rising global demand.

“We understand that many European countries are very worried as the stock of medical gloves can last only several days.

“Malaysia is the world’s largest medical glove producer, and we are duty-bound and responsible for the welfare of all humanity.

“It is indeed a serious situation across many countries, and we must operate to ensure enough supply to contain and fight off the virus.”

Last year, the country produced 188 billion gloves, contributing 63% of global demand. Thailand was second at 21%, followed by China (5%) and Indonesia (3%).

Rubber gloves accounted for 73% of all rubber goods produced in Malaysia in 2018. – March 19, 2020.