PETALING JAYA: Increased production of personal protective equipment (PPE) by local textile and plastic manufacturers amid the Covid-19 pandemic is commendable, says International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
Lim said the government appreciated the efforts by local industries to convert existing production lines to produce PPE for frontline medical personnel.
“The efforts shown by the associations and industry players in such a short time is a shining example and marks a new chapter in the local PPE manufacturing industry.
“Before the pandemic, most PPE equipment used was imported.
“However, the global demand has skyrocketed due to the outbreak, ” he said after inspecting two factories – Hing Yiap Knitting Sdn Bhd and Fibertex Personal Care Sdn Bhd – yesterday.
Lim said he hoped local industry players would seize the opportunity to turn Malaysia into a major PPE producer to meet domestic and international demand.
Among the industrial associations involved in the initiative are the Malaysian Plastic Manufacturers Association (MPMA), Federation of Malaysian Fashion, Textile and Apparel (FMFTA), Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association and Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association.
During the tour of the two factories, Lim was accompanied FMFTA chairman Datuk Seri Tan Thian Poh and MPMA chairman Datuk Lim Kok Boon.
Also present were Fibertex Personal Care Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Jersey Anderson and chief executive officer Peter Anderson.
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