Let's get innovative with latex, says Zuraida to keep the demand up after Covid

SHAH ALAM - As demand for rubber gloves drops after the peak of the Covid-19 health crisis, the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) are looking to expand their business by creating biodegradable gloves, among other innovative products.

Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said this is the appropriate time to carry out research as countries look for innovative latex products.

"We are in an endemic phase now so the demand for rubber gloves will probably decrease as compared during the peak of Covid which recorded one of the highest sales," she said in a press conference today after launching the Malaysian Rubber Council's Global Funding for Rubber Innovation (GFRI).

Zuraida said MRC's Global Funding for Rubber Innovation will kick off with an initial fund of RM10 million, awarded as a full research fund.

"This fund will be given to industries, researches and institutions to come up with outstanding products.

Zuraida said Malaysia is ready to create unique products made from latex but the industry needs to ensure there is sufficient supply to sell globally.

"The demand is there, it's just that are we able to cope up with it," she said.