Background
MARGMA, or the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association, began with simple industry momentum in the late 1980s. With the AIDS scare sending shockwaves around the world, and with international healthcare leaders and government institutions setting an unprecedented demand for rubber gloves as the first line of defence against HIV infection in the healthcare sector, the Malaysian government issued a large number of manufacturing licences to local entrepreneurs who saw abundant opportunities in Malaysia’s rubber production potential and the wide-open global marketplace. This, however, created an explosion of manufacturers with varying levels of production capacity and quality control, creating a turbulent environment in terms of quality, competition, and pricing.
A few pioneer Malaysian glove manufacturers saw the dire need to bring about order and discipline in the Malaysian glove industry, which was still in its infancy. The gravitation towards a focused trade association led to the formation of the Association of Rubber Glove Manufacturers Malaysia, which was registered on 28 June 1989.
The name was later changed to the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association in 1992. The formation of MARGMA was driven by the booming industry’s realisation that self-regulation was key to a strong, sustainable, and profitable economy. By bringing together local players at that early phase, the industry was forming a cornerstone for quality benchmarks and minimum pricing to remain competitive both locally and globally. As the industry grew, MARGMA came to champion standard manufacturing practices, knowledge sharing, technological spearheading, supply chain streamlining, and, more importantly, a common voice to the government and regulatory bodies.
Our Story
MARGMA, or the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association, began with simple industry momentum in the late 1980s. With the AIDS scare sending shockwaves around the world, and with international healthcare leaders and government institutions setting an unprecedented demand for rubber gloves as the first line of defence against HIV infection in the healthcare sector, the Malaysian government issued a large number of manufacturing licences to local entrepreneurs who saw abundant opportunities in Malaysia’s rubber production potential and the wide-open global marketplace. This, however, created an explosion of manufacturers with varying levels of production capacity and quality control, creating a turbulent environment in terms of quality, competition, and pricing.
A few pioneer Malaysian glove manufacturers saw the dire need to bring about order and discipline in the Malaysian glove industry, which was still in its infancy. The gravitation towards a focused trade association led to the formation of the Association of Rubber Glove Manufacturers Malaysia, which was registered on 28 June 1989.
The name was later changed to the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association in 1992. The formation of MARGMA was driven by the booming industry’s realisation that self-regulation was key to a strong, sustainable, and profitable economy. By bringing together local players at that early phase, the industry was forming a cornerstone for quality benchmarks and minimum pricing to remain competitive both locally and globally. As the industry grew, MARGMA came to champion standard manufacturing practices, knowledge sharing, technological spearheading, supply chain streamlining, and, more importantly, a common voice to the government and regulatory bodies.
Aims & Objectives
- To bring about a common understanding amongs all manufacturers;
- To work to improve and standardize a “Malaysian Rubber Glove”;
- To represent all members in their interests and grievances;
- To disseminate the latest information on technological advancements
Members
The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) serves as the official voice of Malaysia’s rubber glove manufacturers, representing its ordinary members, the core producers of rubber gloves in the country. Beyond that, MARGMA also includes associate members, encompassing key stakeholders and supporting organizations essential to the continued growth and innovation of the industry. These include chemical suppliers, latex producers, logistics providers, engineering and machinery companies, material suppliers, consultants, government agencies, traders, exporters, and more. Collectively, MARGMA’s members form a comprehensive ecosystem that drives Malaysia’s leadership in the global rubber glove market.
MARGMA has grown from 18 members in 1991 to more than 250 members (70+ Ordinary and 200+ Associate members) as of March 2025.
Since the inception of MARGMA, its members have collectively grown by leaps and bounds. Several companies have been or are currently publicly listed, testament to the industry’s phenomenal growth.
Some MARGMA members are the world’s largest producers of rubber gloves. Our members produce both natural rubber gloves and synthetic rubber gloves used in various industries including personal protective equipment, medical & healthcare, laboratory, food & beverage services, manufacturing, dielectric protection and other sectors.
