Kuala Lumpur: Companies exporting rubber gloves must ensure that the entire production process occurs within Malaysia to qualify for the certificate of origin from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), stated Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The minister emphasized that only products fully processed and produced domestically are eligible for export, aligning with Malaysia's commitments to international trade partners such as the United States.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari clarified that Malaysia would not permit rubber gloves manufactured abroad to be imported solely for repackaging and re-exportation, as this practice does not constitute local manufacturing. The statement was made during the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's (MPOB) Silver Jubilee Gala Night, which was also attended by MPOB chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha and MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir.

Johari highlighted the discrepancy between the country's rubber production, which stands at approximately 348,000 metric tonnes annually, and the industry's requirement of over one million metric tonnes. Consequently, the importation of raw materials such as latex from Thailand is permitted, provided they are fully processed within Malaysia to become finished products. He stressed the importance of processing within the country to avoid Malaysia becoming a hub for trade diversion of finished products from other nations, thereby protecting the reputation and sustainability of the local rubber industry.

The Plantation and Commodities Ministry recently announced that only rubber glove exporters licensed by the Malaysian Rubber Board are authorized to export products sourced from local manufacturers. This measure aims to ensure product quality and prevent Malaysia from being used as an export route for finished goods from other countries.