KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): Rubber glove manufacturers in Malaysia, which supply about 45% of global rubber glove demand, are calling for immediate government intervention to counter a critical shortage of raw materials caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing war in Iran.
The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (Margma) said the blockade had severely disrupted global shipping routes and caused Brent crude oil prices to soar. This has directly impacted the availability and cost of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex, or synthetic latex, which is derived from petroleum.
At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at over US$104 per barrel, as the conflict in Iran that began in late February has pushed prices up by nearly 50%.
The issue is now at "crisis" level and threatening global medical glove supplies, placing immense financial strain on local manufacturers, Margma said in a statement on Thursday.
"As Malaysia fulfils approximately 45% of global rubber glove demand, any prolonged disruption threatens the stability of global healthcare systems and risks damaging Malaysia’s reputation as the world's leading and reliable PPE (personal protective equipment) supplier," it said.
It is seeking urgent government support to:
- Prioritise NBR supply to Malaysian nitrile glove manufactures over overseas buyers to maintain national production capacity, ensuring they are able to fulfil commitments to hospitals and healthcare distributors worldwide;
- Grant temporary relief or suspension on gas 'take-or-pay' contract so factories operating below capacity due to the NBR shortage and cannot meet minimum gas consumption quotas will not be penalised during this production slowdown.
“The rubber glove industry remains a cornerstone of the Malaysian economy. A swift, collaborative public-private response is vital to protecting local jobs, supporting the economy and ensuring global hospitals do not face a critical shortage of life-saving protective gear and safeguard Malaysia’s position as a trusted and reliable global supplier,” said Margma president Oon Kim Hung.
According to the association, Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers export to over 195 countries. In 2025, the industry recorded a total export value of RM14 billion, accounting for about 64% of the nation's total rubber product exports.