25-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia bolsters regulatory oversight of rubber glove sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The Plantation and Commodities Ministry, through the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), has strengthened regulatory oversight of the rubber glove sector in response to evolving global trade dynamics.
The ministry said in line with the significant contribution of the rubber glove sector to the national economy, MRB implemented several strategic initiatives to strengthen regulatory oversight of the industry in addressing current global trade issues and challenges.
One such initiative involves tightening licensing requirements for the export of rubber gloves under the Malaysian Rubber Board (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014.
"With immediate effect, all LGM-licensed rubber glove exporting companies are only permitted to export rubber gloves sourced from local manufacturing facilities," it said.
The measure is aimed at safeguarding product quality and ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia's rubber glove industry
Additionally, it said this serves as a preventive step against the risk of Malaysia becoming a destination for trade diversion from other countries.
"This follows global developments that have highlighted increasing uncertainties in the international trade landscape, including shifts in key global market policies that directly impact supply chains and the export market for rubber products.
"Such conditions have the potential to lead to a rise in rubber glove imports, which could undermine the competitiveness of the domestic rubber industry," it said.
Malaysia, recognised as one of the world's top producers and exporters of rubber and rubber-based products, recorded export values of RM33.7 billion in 2024.
Of this, RM15.41 billion, or 45.8 per cent, came from the rubber glove segment alone.
Meanwhile, the ministry said MRB is conducting joint operations with other enforcement agencies to enhance monitoring and enforcement within the rubber glove sector, in order to uphold the image and competitiveness of Malaysia's rubber industry.
"The ministry and MRB will continue to closely monitor global trade developments and remain ready to implement proactive measures to protect the overall interests of the national rubber industry, including all rubber-based products.
"In the near future, the ministry will also review long-term approaches that align with evolving geopolitical and global economic landscapes to ensure the resilience and marketability of Malaysia's rubber industry is sustained," it added.
