KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (July 7): Due to the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in numerous districts in Selangor, glove makers have halted operations in Klang. In accordance with EMCO regulations, Top Glove Corp Bhd, the world’s largest glove maker, has temporarily halted operations at its medical glove factory in Klang.
It also stated that it is awaiting clarity on the situation from the National Security Council, but provided no other specifics.
“The company is looking forward to securely resuming operations and continuing to produce its much-needed medical gloves for frontline and healthcare workers in Malaysia and around the world at the proper time.
“The firm continues to follow all applicable rules and regulations, as well as Covid preventative standard operating procedures, and is committed to protecting the health and safety of its employees and the communities in which it operates,” Top Glove added.
Hartalega Holdings Bhd, a competitor, also announced that all of its manufacturing facilities in Bestari Jaya and Sepang have been shut down completely.
“Unfortunately, given Hartalega is a prominent manufacturer of nitrile gloves for hospitals around the world, this will have a substantial impact on both the local and international healthcare value chain in terms of supply disruption,” Hartalega said in a written response to The Edge.
Similarly, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd has announced that its glove manufacturing facilities in Klang have been temporarily shut down for the same reason.
Supermax Corp Bhd and Mah Sing Group Bhd are two more glove manufacturers with operations in Klang.
From July 3 to July 16, the EMCO for 34 districts in Selangor and 14 localities in Kuala Lumpur is in effect.
Rubber gloves are considered vital personal protective equipment, thus the stoppage surprised several analysts.
The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) petitioned the government on Sunday (July 4) to enable Selangor glove companies to operate under the EMCO.
“Global customers of our manufacturers have been calling with considerable concern about the scarcity of production and delivery of gloves since the government announced the imposed EMCO on the state of Selangor.
“Global hospitals and healthcare professionals are putting immense strain on our members since the pandemic has now mutated into another variety,” MARGMA president Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam said in a statement.
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To avoid global glove disruption, glove manufacturers are urging the government to enable their Selangor facilities to operate under EMCO. Please click here to sign up for the CEO Morning Brief./n
