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PETALING JAYA: The temporary closure of the world’s largest glove factories following an increase in Covid-19 cases among their workers will affect the production and supply of surgical gloves in the country and globally, said a group from the industry.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society President Amrahi Buang said the chain effect should be considered carefully, as Top Glove is the world’s largest manufacturer of surgical gloves.
“The closure of the factories will affect the production and supply of gloves for both local use and for export.
“The impact is enormous. It was mentioned that this closure will affect the market, especially in the first quarter of 2021, “he said yesterday in an interview.
With global demand for gloves increasing significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Amrahi said the shutdown would also affect the country’s economy, which needed a revival in these difficult times.
He noted that surgical gloves were essential in all medical facilities to protect the first in medical care. “These gloves are generally used once and must be disposed of properly as clinical waste, as they are contaminated with blood, body fluids and excrement, as well as microbes such as bacteria, viruses and fungi,” he said.
Malaysian Private Hospital Association President Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh noted that the supply of surgical gloves may only see a problem if Top Glove factories are closed for a longer period of time.
“Compared to masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE), the supply of gloves was never a problem, not even at the beginning of the pandemic in the country.
“Most hospitals tend to make frequent purchases in volume and have a wide offer since their use is regular.
“If the company’s production is only shut down for a short time, we shouldn’t have any problems.
“If it has to stay closed for many months, things can be different,” he said, adding that there were many other glove manufacturers that could step up to meet demand.
In a press conference yesterday, Top Glove had said it would face a slight delay in deliveries due to reduced operations.
But the company said it was unlikely to outsource its production, as demand from other glove factories was also good and it would prioritize delivering essential services.
On Monday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that 28 Top Glove-owned factories in Kapar, Klang, would be closed in stages following a spike in Covid-19 cases linked to the Teratai cluster.
He said factories would be gradually closed so their workers could be evaluated.
However, the secretary of the Malaysian Medical Industries Association
General Datuk Haminnuddin Abd Hamid said that local demand for surgical gloves would not be affected as the local and government supply was satisfied by several other companies.
“The demand from Malaysia is small and the temporary closure of the factory will not negatively affect supply.
“In addition, there are another 80 local glove manufacturers in the country and companies supplying the Malaysian market have sufficient stocks,” he said.
Haminnuddin said the gap in global demand left by Top Glove would also be covered by other leading manufacturers that are recognized with global standards and certifications.
“The demand for gloves has reached dizzying proportions and our members are doing their best to meet the requirements,” said Dr. Supramaniam Shanmugam, president of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association.
He said that global demand is estimated to reach 360 billion pieces this year, with Malaysia supplying at least 250 to 270 billion pieces.
But he allayed concerns about whether enough gloves would be produced for the global market, saying there was new capacity available to make up for the provisional shortfall. “There will be no aggravated disruption in what is currently being supplied to the world.
“We understand the fear and concern of the global community and that of the World Health Organization for wanting to have an adequate supply of medical gloves to combat Covid-19,” he said.
Dr. Supramaniam also asked the association members to maintain the highest level of hygiene in the workplace and in the shelters and dormitories that house the workers.
The President of the Malaysian Medical Association, Datuk Dr. Subramaniam Muniandy, agreed, saying that more enforcement was needed to ensure adequate housing conditions for foreign workers.
“Workers should not be huddled in a small living room because the virus can spread rapidly,” he said.
He added that the outbreak among foreign workers must be contained quickly for public health reasons.
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