04 Local News
Recognition for Hibiscus Petroleum
Boosting early cancer detection
04 Local News
The HEALTH | July-August . 2024
Worst likely over for glove sector
THE rubber glove sector may see potential growth in export prospects despite currently facing challenging conditions .
Improved export opportunities could stem from the ongoing trade war between the United States and China , potentially benefiting Malaysian players . In May , the United States announced that it would raise import tariffs on Chinamade rubber gloves to 25 per cent by 2026 .
However , analysts and the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association remain cautious , anticipating that the United States may also increase sourcing from its domestic producers .
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Rakuten Trade Equity Sales Head Vincent Lau noted that while the immediate outlook remains challenging for domestic rubber glove manufacturers , the worst seems to be over . Effective cost management in the post-Covid environment will be crucial for delivering returns to shareholders .
“ Some companies need time to
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recover fully . Some have already reported profits , while average selling prices ( ASPs ) have only seen slight increases ,” Lau told StarBiz .
“ The tariffs announced by US President Joe Biden might be academic . The situation could change if Donald Trump wins the presidency in November . The stock market is looking for opportunities , and with these stocks being relatively cheap , I see a trading opportunity .”
Hartalega Holdings Bhd reported a turnaround in its fourth-quarter performance , ending March 31 , with a profit of RM15.12 million compared to a net loss in the same quarter the previous year . This improvement was attributed to slightly higher year-on-year revenue and favourable foreign
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currency exchange movements .
UOB Kay Hian ( UOBKH ) Research recently projected that rubber glove companies would show better results in the coming quarters of 2024 . It observed that the decline in ASPs has halted and is gradually increasing , while volume sales have seen significant quarter-on-quarter improvement . Additionally , input cost moderation is expected to lift operating margins as the costs of natural gas tariffs and raw materials decrease .
UOBKH Research maintained its “ overweight ” stance on the rubber glove sector , citing a favourable risk-reward view . It upheld its “ buy ” ratings for Hartalega and Kossan with target prices of RM3.92 and RM2.73 , respectively .
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Cardiac and vascular first for Penang
NORTHERN Heart Hospital ( NHH ), the premier cardiac and vascular specialist hospital in Penang and the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia , has officially commenced its soft opening .
Situated strategically in George Town , NHH is set to address the urgent need for specialised cardiac and vascular care in the northern states .
NHH offers a full spectrum of cardiac , vascular , and cardiothoracic diagnostic services and treatments for cardiovascular diseases .
The hospital ’ s team consists of highly skilled specialists in interventional cardiology , structural heart disease treatment , complex surgical procedures , electrophysiology interventions , heart and lung surgeries , and comprehensive vascular and endovascular therapies .
NHH Chief Executive Officer Kelen Leong Choy Fun said : “ As the first dedicated cardiovascular hospital outside of the Klang Valley , we provide comprehensive services that cater to every aspect of heart health , from prevention and early detection to advanced treatment and rehabilitation .
“ Our holistic approach prioritises the physical , emotional , and mental well-being of our patients .”
NHH is outfitted with top-tier amenities and the latest medical technology to deliver extensive cardiac care , including :
• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging : Cardiac MRI , cardiac CT scans , and a non-invasive cardiovascular laboratory equipped with the latest imaging technology for precise diagnosis and treatment planning .
• Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories : Three specialised labs , including the Northern region ’ s first hybrid operating theatre .
• High-Tech Operating Theatres : Equipped with cutting-edge surgical technology for cardiovascular procedures .
• Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation : Programs designed to aid recovery and support long-term heart health through physical and occupational therapy .
• Comfortable Patient Rooms and Suites : Options include single- and double-bedded rooms , suites , intensive care wards , and high-dependency wards , all featuring advanced patient monitoring systems . NHH is operated by a partnership between experienced Malaysian doctors and TE Asia Healthcare Partners , a group known for investing in and managing speciality hospitals and centres to deliver high-quality healthcare across Southeast Asia .
Recognition for Hibiscus Petroleum
HIBISCUS Petroleum Berhad recently received the Community Impact in Cancer Care Award from the National Cancer Society Malaysia ( NCSM ) during the National Cancer Congress Malaysia ( NCCM ) 2024 at Sunway University .
Minister of Health , Datuk Seri
Boosting early cancer detection
IN A significant move to advance cancer prevention , the National Cancer Society Malaysia ( NCSM ) and Gene Solutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) to boost awareness and accessibility of multi-cancer early detection ( MCED ) testing across Malaysia .
This partnership formalised during the inaugural National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2024 , aims to transform cancer detection and improve early diagnosis rates nationwide .
The MOU , signed on Jun 22 by NCSM President and Medical
Hibiscus Petroleum Corporate Development Vice- President Lily Ling receives the award from Dr Dzulkefly . At extreme right is NCSM president Dato ’ Dr Saunthari Somasundram .
Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad , presented the award .
NCCM 2024 is a landmark event that brings together all aspects of cancer care , including prevention , screening , diagnosis , treatment , survivorship , advocacy and policy .
Director Dato ’ Dr . Saunthari Somasundaram and Gene Solutions Business Lead for Malaysia Chiun Khee Lim , marks a critical step forward in Malaysia ’ s cancer fight .
By combining NCSM ’ s extensive network with Gene Solutions ’ advanced MCED technology , the collaboration seeks to raise awareness about early cancer detection and provide broader access to testing .
Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy , managing director of NCSM , highlighted the importance of early detection in improving cancer survival rates .