Malaysian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) welcomes the government’s decision to open our borders and to encourage businesses to function as before. “This will surely augur well for the economy and welfare of everyone.”, said Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, the President of the Malaysian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (MARGMA).
This follows the recent announcement by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Malaysia ‘Transition to Endemic’ phase of Covid-19 starting 1 April 2022
In a statement by MARGMA, it said that the government also announced that quarantine centres for foreign workers are now opened for booking of slots. This marked the end of the freeze on foreign worker intake after 2 years which will bode well for the Rubber Glove Industry moving, as the country moves into a recovery economy.
“We are supportive of the Government’s initiative to open up our borders and to encourage businesses to function as before. MARGMA reiterates that transparency on actual recruitment fees from source countries will be key to facilitating a smooth recruitment process.
In a statement, MARGMA said that once the foreign worker recruitment process is in place, Industry players can plan to enhance factory operations and focus on capacity expansion. This would mean more jobs will be created for both local and foreign workers.
We are hopeful that the relevant Ministries would come together to ensure adequate workers supply especially to essential items manufacturers.
“In fact, it is really important for Malaysia to maintain its global leadership in the production of this medical examination and surgical gloves, and hence, we hope that in recognition of essential industries, we will be given priority in the engagement of the migrant workers.”, said Dr. Supramaniam.
MARMA said that overall, the Rubber Glove Industry hires about 1.7% only for total foreign workers in Malaysia. The industry is proud to be able to still manage capacity expansion and production of gloves all these while through technology and automation.
While the industry continues to increase efficiency and invest in IR4.0, worker recruitment is inevitable to facilitate industry growth to meet global demand, which is expected to exceed 460 billion pieces of gloves for 2022.
