No Gloves Shortage Despite Mpox Concerns - Margma

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- There is no imminent risk of a rubber glove shortage despite the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recent declaration on the Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak.

“The industry is well prepared for the situation. There will be no shortage as we have stocks ready,”  said Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) president Oon Kim Hung.

He said this to the media after the launch of the 11th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition (IRGCE 2024) here today.

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According to news reports, the Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Aug 14 by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on Aug 13 by Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention director-general Jean Kaseya.

While there have been some concerns about a potential spike in demand due to the outbreak, Oon emphasised that panic buying is unnecessary. 

He added that the industry players remain vigilant and ready to respond to any further developments in the Mpox situation.

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Meanwhile, the three-day IRGCE which kicked off today is organised by MARGMA and co-hosted by the Malaysian Rubber Council, and the launch was officiated by Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

Oon said the IRGCE 2024 was a testament to the industry's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and global leadership.

Themed ‘Towards an Effective, Sustainable and Innovative Rubber Glove Industry’, the IRGCE 2024 solidifies Malaysia's position as a world leader in rubber glove manufacturing and ecosystem.

The event brought together industry titans, experts and stakeholders to explore emerging trends, groundbreaking innovations and the challenges shaping the global rubber glove market.

-- BERNAMA