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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will close some of Top Glove’s factories in stages as it moves forward to screen employees for COVID-19 following a large spike in infections, a senior minister said on Monday (Nov 23).
The world’s largest manufacturer of latex gloves has racked up record profits this year thanks to growing demand for its protective products and equipment, thanks to the pandemic.
But up to 28 of its network of more than 30 factories in the Southeast Asian nation will close after 1,889 workers tested positive for the coronavirus, out of 5,794 tested, Chief Security Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
READ: Malaysia reports record 1,884 new COVID-19 cases following surge in workgroup infections
READ: In Malaysia’s Sabah, COVID-19 pandemic rages as migrants flee testing
“With advice and risk assessment from the Ministry of Health, it was agreed that 28 of Top Glove’s factories will be closed in stages,” Ismail said, in order to allow for further detection and quarantine.
However, it did not say when the closures would begin.
Last week, the government ordered 14-day curbs through Nov.30 in an area where Top Glove’s factories and dormitories are located. The company said the restrictions would affect 5,700 workers, or more than a quarter.
Analysts had said the restrictions did not change the earnings forecasts for the company, but that they could re-evaluate the projections if infections at factories spike dramatically and the restrictions are extended.
The company did not immediately respond to questions about details of the situation or the impact on production.
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