Govt Boosts Rubber Glove Industry With Improved Regulations, Enhances Traceability
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The government is strengthening regulations governing rubber glove manufacturing and exports to address industry overcapacity while enhancing the traceability of Malaysian-made gloves.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the measures, implemented through the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), will help promote sustainable and disciplined growth.
Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor read the speech on her behalf at the opening ceremony of the International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition (IRGCE) 2026 here today.
Under the MRB (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014, Noraini said only manufacturers with an appropriate and valid rubber product manufacturing licence are allowed to manufacture rubber gloves in Malaysia.
“The licensing requirement is important from a regulatory perspective; it strengthens accountability, supports product quality and compliance.
“It also provides a mechanism for better management of manufacturing capacity as the industry addresses the issue of overcapacity and moves towards more sustainable and disciplined growth,” Noraini said.
The MRB also strengthened requirements for rubber glove exports, with the export licence number displayed on packaging materials to enhance traceability and accountability throughout the supply chain, she said.
The measure will prevent transhipment activities and ensure Malaysia is not used as a route for products manufactured elsewhere to enter international markets under Malaysian-made gloves.
“We want the international marketplace to have confidence that when a product is represented as a Malaysian-made glove, it is backed by proper manufacturing, regulatory compliance, traceability and recognised industry standards,” she said.
The industry must move beyond competing primarily on volume and price as global competition intensifies and buyers become more demanding, she said.
Greater investment in research and development, automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing were needed to improve efficiency, enhance product performance and strengthen Malaysia’s technological capabilities, she said.
“Technologies such as AI-driven quality inspection, smart production systems, advanced materials and next-generation glove formulations have the potential to improve efficiency, enhance product performance and strengthen Malaysia’s technological capabilities,” she said.
Organised by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association, the 12th edition of IRGCE, themed “Synergising Innovation: Redefining the Future of the Rubber Glove Ecosystem”, features 605 booths and 215 exhibitors from various countries.
It brought together industry leaders, technical experts, researchers and policymakers to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies and solutions, and establish business relationships.
-- BERNAMA