The Health November 2023 | Page 6

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THE HEALTH | NOVEMBER , 2023

| Local News |

A bumpy road for Hartalega

GLOVE producer Hartalega Holdings Berhad finds itself with limited options when it comes to mitigating the escalation in raw material prices . A price hike is unlikely , given the significant price gap between Hartalega and its rivals . Nitrile butadiene raw material prices have increased since September as feedstock prices have increased .

Hong Leong Investment Bank ( HLIB ) Research said that any attempt to raise glove prices could be met by buyers ’ resistance as the market struggles with excess supplies .
“ In our opinion , attempts to raise prices would negatively impact sales volume , as buyers have the flexibility
to shift to more cost-efficient suppliers . This was evident in 1QFY24 , whereby Hartalega ’ s sales volume plummeted by 26 per cent QoQ when it passed on the higher natural gas costs to the buyers ,” added the research firm .
Hartalega ’ s October deliveries were priced at US $ 18 per thousand pieces compared to US $ 20 per thousand pieces in July , which boosted the utilisation rate marginally from 40 per cent to 45 per cent compared to 41 per cent in 1QFY24 .
On the other hand , Chinese glove makers maintained their prices at around US $ 15 per thousand pieces .
While Hartalega has been leading Chinese glove makers in terms of
Glove manfacturing plant .
product quality , HILB said that other Chinese glove makers have been making recent improvements to catch up on the quality gap .
“ We believe glove buyers would be more inclined to shift back to Malaysian suppliers only when the pricing gap narrows to US $ 1 per thousand pieces ( current gap : c . US $ 3 per thousand pieces ). For Hartalega to recapture market share , it would necessitate a reduction in ASP to c .
US $ 16 per thousand pieces to see a meaningful shift in orders back to local manufacturers ,” said HLIB .
The research firm does not expect Hartalega to engage in a price war to increase its sales volume . HLIB maintained its “ sell ” call on Hartalega with a target price of RM1.15 .
“ Operations should continue to bleed in the near term , and we expect Hartalega to only return to profitability in FY25 .”

Pandemic prevention agreement still in negotiations

WITH the rapid development of medical centres , Ipoh is confident that it will become the best health city by 2025 .
Ipoh Mayor , Datuk Rumaizi Baharin expressed that there are five new centres around the city such as the National Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya , Seri Botani Hospital and Sunway Medical Centre .
“ Most of them are currently under construction and those that have been completed include the Perak Community Specialist Hospital ( PCSH ) and the Seri Botani Hospital , while the hospital in Bandar Sunway , Tambun is expected to be completed soon ,” he said .
“ The Social Security Organisation ( Perkeso ) health complex in Bandar Meru Raya , the largest in Southeast Asia , and the Quill Medical Centre in Jalan Sultan Nazrin Shah are also under construction . The construction of several more health centres is in the
Ipoh is poised to become the healthiest city by 2025 .

Ipoh aims to become a health city

pipeline ,” he added .
Rumaizi said that the construction of health centres around the city involved an investment of over RM1 billion in the initial phase and expected more investment at the next stage as part of the Ipoh City Council ( MBI ) strategic plan to promote progress in the health sector .
“ All these construction projects are expected to be completed by the end of next year and we will have an additional 1,000 beds . This will , in turn , create over 8,000 job opportunities related to the healthcare sector , such as doctors , nurses , pharmacists , administrative staff and even finance officers ,” he added .
Apart from tourism , MBI would also focus on the healthcare sector because the new medical centres can help residents get health services easily and at an affordable cost while providing them the opportunity to increase their income .
NEGOTIATIONS are still in the works between Malaysia and the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) on pandemic prevention , preparedness and response ( WHO CA +) and amendments to the International Health Regulation ( IHR 2005 ), said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa .
Zaliha stated that no decision was made and nothing was finalised yet .
“ I will give my commitment to always put the country ’ s sovereignty first in the negotiation process ,” she expressed on her social media page , X ( formerly Twitter ).
The negotiations with WHO came after some quarters called for the government to oppose the amendments and any proposed treaty , for fears that it would threaten Malaysia ’ s sovereignty . Muslim consumer group
Dr Zaliha Mustafa said nothing has been finalised yet on the agreement .
Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia ( PPIM ) activist , Datuk Nadzim Johan , said that the government must reject the amendments to the IHR and must state their objection by December .
Not objecting to the amendments will allow WHO to control the country ’ s administration in the event of a pandemic .
“ If the amendments ( to IHR 2005 ) happen and it is not opposed by the prime minister , we will be bound by its terms and conditions ,” he expressed after handing over a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong , Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah .
“ It will give power to WHO to take over if it feels the country needs to be saved WHO ’ s way .”
Nadzim also said he handed a copy of the memorandum to Prime Minister , Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim .

Spreading cleft awareness through art

PRINCE COURT Medical Centre recently collaborated with the Cleft Lip & Palate Association Malaysia ( CLAPAM ) and Art Market Malaysia to host a Charity Art Exhibition in honour of Cleft Awareness Month . This initiative was
to raise awareness and donations for cleft patients . The exhibition raised RM14,450 , with 10 per cent of the proceeds donated to CLAPAM .
The exhibition showcased a diverse collection of artworks , including pieces by local artists , disabled artists and children . Prices ranged from RM100 to RM8,000 , with art to suite every budget and preference .
“ At Prince Court , we understand the profound impact cleft can have on someone ’ s life . For those born with cleft
lip and palate conditions , that journey to a beautiful and confident smile is very challenging , but it ’ s a journey we ’ re privileged to be a part of ,” said Prince Court Consultant Orthodontist Col Datin Dr Mumtaj Nisah Abd Rahim .
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about cleft awareness and support . Both Art Market Malaysia and CLAPAM set up booths in the lobby of Prince Court for attendees to procure the necessary information and resources about cleft lip and palate
conditions .
The exhibition also offered engaging activities for attendees . Art initiates could join a batik colouring session for RM30 or an acrylic painting class for RM55 .
This collaboration was aimed to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate conditions , whilst also providing valuable support for cleft patients . The organisers encourage the community to contribute to this worthy cause during Cleft Awareness Month .