Condom capacity to swell

In a move that will boost Malaysia’s efforts to rejuvenate its rubber industry in the face of intensified competition from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, the world’s biggest condom manufacturer is set to expand its capacity once it sells shares next year. Malaysia-based Karex Industries is seeking funds through a share sell to double annual production to six billion pieces. The Malaysian government is pushing for the commercialisation of new rubber products, including latex gloves, petrochemicals and eco-friendly tyres, to revive an industry it once dominated and shift from an agricultural base to more lucrative industries.