Malaysia’s manufacturing industry operated at 79.8% of capacity in the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4’23), down 0.4 percentage point from 80.2% in the corresponding quarter of 2022, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said
Malaysia has formed a technical committee to safeguard fair trade and local commodity producers, particularly in the palm oil and rubber industries. This initiative enhances competitiveness, ensures compliance with international standards, and protects against international pressures.
The Malaysia Medical Device Authority (MDA) released the first edition of its harmonized guidance document on post-market data exchange between member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Plantation and Commodities Ministry held a discussion today with the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) on measures to resolve critical issues towards ensuring the industry’s ability to meet global challenges.
Malaysia earned RM27.16 billion from rubber exports in 2023, with 70%, or RM19.04 billion, coming from rubber gloves, the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) said.
The positive steps taken by the Malaysian rubber industry to address forced labour and recruitment challenges in recent years should be sustained and matched by similar efforts to implement other labour standards, contained in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations, according to an International Labour Organization (ILO) senior official.
The recent improved export data and a steady average selling prices (ASPs) for glove manufacturers point to a positive recovery in demand.
The rubber plantation sector needs an estimated 80,000 workers to meet the needs of rubber smallholders, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
