MRC News Archives 2021

Following the success of the first e-Global Sourcing Mission (e-GSM) last year, MRC is set to organize the second e-GSM to be held from 27 – 28 May and 31 May – 1 June 2021.The e-GSM is an initiative by MRC to facilitate buyers in identifying and meeting with genuine Malaysian manufacturers via a safe online platform to source for quality rubber products from Malaysia. The key rubber products that are promoted under this e-GSM programme are Rubber Automotive Components, Engineered Rubber Products, Precured Treads and Retreading Materials, Latex Foam and Latex Mattresses, Rubber Catheters, Non-Medical Rubber Gloves (Industrial, Household, Food Handling Gloves) and Specialty Rubber Materials (Green Rubber). For more information, please contact Mr Syazwan (syazwan@myrubbercouncil.com) or Ms Lyn (shuanglyn@myrubbercouncil.com).

CMEF Spring is one of the most important healthcare exhibitions globally. This year CMEF Spring will take place as scheduled from 13 – 16 May 2021 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China. In light of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the show organizer will be monitoring and implementing a series of specific prevention and control measures in order to deliver a safe and successful event. All show attendants are also required for a real-name authentication and ID card-based admission prior entering to the exhibition venue. MRC continues its presence at CMEF Spring 2021 by hosting three Malaysian rubber medical device manufacturers and exporters, namely Top Glove, N.S. Uni-Gloves and ASAP International. MRC booth will be manned by its China office representative. MRC Malaysia Pavilion will showcase a wide range of quality rubber medical devices at the event. Come and visit MRC Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 5.1, Booth R27 at CMEF Spring 2021 to source for quality rubber medical devices from Malaysia.

Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), Encik Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff received a courtesy visit from the committee of the Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers’ Association (MRPMA) this morning, led by its President, Mr. Yeaw Kok Kwey and Vice President (Technical), Mr. Phang Kwai Keong. The objective of this visit was to reinforce relationships that lead to more and supported business. Among the discussions were the implementation of IR4.0 among SMEs in the rubber industry. Mr. Nurul Islam also shared about the RM20 million Fund for Automation and Green Technology provided by MRC that can be used for the transformation of SMEs towards IR4.0. MRPMA also expressed its intention to participate in all trade shows organized or participated by MRC domestically or globally to promote their rubber products.

A courtesy call by MRC Management led by the Chief Executive Officer, Encik Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusof together with YB Dato 'Sri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Minister of Environment and Water (KASA) took place today. Discussions focused on how MRC can collaborate with KASA in the areas of automation and green technology in rubber industry. Programmes to encourage members of the rubber industry in preserving and taking care of the environment will be discussed further in the near future.

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) has organized a Donation Ceremony for the B40 Group of Rubber Smallholders together with Persatuan Kebajikan Sahabat Tahfiz Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan today. The ceremony was attended by Yang Berhormat Dato 'Dr. Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities together with MRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Encik Nurul Islam Mohammed Yusoff. A cash donation of RM10,000 to recipients comprising of B40 rubber smallholders from DUN Senaling, DUN Juasseh, DUN Johol, DUN Pilah and DUN Seri Menanti was held today at Laman Gentam, Kuala Pilah to help ease their burden.

MRC townhall was held today for the first time this year after Encik Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff was appointed as MRC's CEO in March 2021. With his speech titled “Soaring Beyond New Horizon”, Encik Nurul shared his thoughts and perspectives on MRC’s milestones, reflected on key challenges that MRC faces and last but not least, his aspirations on what the future holds for MRC. Encik Nurul also shared his believes in the right work culture and mindset that could lead the organization towards achieving its greatest success. He ended his speech by thanking everyone in MRC for their contribution thus far and hoping for everyone to join him in the next chapter of MRC’s journey, to spread the wings and soar beyond the horizon together. MRC staffs were also given a smart watch each as to promote the healthy work life balance to everyone. “The groundwork for all happiness is good health.” - Leigh Huntz

MRC Management led by the Chief Executive Officer, Encik Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff paid a courtesy visit to Top Glove and was welcomed by Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai, Chairman of Top Glove, Dato Lee Kim Meow, Managing Director together with its management today. The meeting began with a visit to Top Glove Tower where MRC had the opportunity to learn about the values inculcated in the management of Top Glove especially in the care of a healthy lifestyle as they place such great importance on employee welfare. Discussions between MRC and Top Glove today focused on MRC’s role and collaboration with the largest rubber glove manufacturer. Top Glove also shared their future plans and efforts in hiring local workers as well as creating a conducive work environment for all their staff and employees. Soon after the discussion, MRC management was also taken to visit the Top Glove Research and Development Center to understand the research behind the process of producing high quality rubber gloves. Next was a visit to the medical rubber glove production division to understand the production process of the products. Finally, MRC was taken to the Top Glove employees' dormitory to look at the facilities provided to their employees. Spacious dormitory rooms, comfortable pillows and mattresses, atm machines, grocery store, money changer, remittance service, laundry room and barber shop are among the facilities available. This visit can confirmed that Top Glove takes good care of their employees’ welfare and beings.

Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) received a courtesy visit from the General Manager of the Forest Plantation Development Sdn Bhd (FPDSB), Encik Zharudin Narudin today. Forest Plantation Development Sdn Bhd (FPDSB) is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Government with the sole purpose of implementing the Forest Plantation Development Programme in Malaysia.

The third joint meeting between MPOC-MRC-MTC was held today at MRC Office, chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, Encik Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusoff. The meeting was attended by the other two entrusted agencies by the Ministry; Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dr. Hj. Wan Zawawi Wan Ismail, Ms. Belvinder Kaur Sron, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Faisal Iqbal, Deputy Director of the Marketing & Market Development and Mr. Mohd Izham Hassan, Manager of the Marketing & Market Development; as well as Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Tuan Muhtar Suhaili, Mr. Roger Chin as the COO, Mr. Khairul Anwar and Ms. Agnes Seah as the Director and Manager of the International Business Development Division of South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Today's discussion focused in-depth on matters involving the establishment of the Malaysian agricomodity regional office in Jeddah. A visit to MRC Gallery with some briefings on rubber products were also given to MPOC and MTC by MRC’s Marketing and Development Division as soon as the meeting ended.

A courtesy visit to YBhg. Datuk Ravi Muthayah, Secretary General of Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities by MRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Encik Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusoff took place today. Discussion held during the visit focused on the role of MRC as a Council in working together hand in hand with the Ministry to elevate Malaysia’s rubber industry.

On 9 March 2021, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, announced an agreement with the Government of Saudi Arabia to increase the total imports of Malaysian palm oil into the country from 318,000 metric tonnes to 500,000 metric tonnes. Meanwhile, on 9 February 2021, YB Dato Dr Ust Dr. Khairuddin at-Takiri, Minister of Industries, Industries and Commodities had announced plans to set up a regional commodity office in Jeddah to be the country’s commodity product marketing hub to the Middle East and African countries. In realizing this aspiration, three agencies under Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, namely Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) and Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) have been entrusted with the task of establishing this office. A second meeting was held at the MTC Office on 25th March 2021 and the meeting was chaired by the CEO of MTC to further discuss on this matter. The first meeting was chaired by the CEO of MPOC and the meeting was held at the MPOC’s Office and it is anticipated that third meeting will then be chaired by the CEO of MRC, Encik Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusoff at the MRC office in KL Sentral. The discussion of the meeting that was held yesterday focused on key items such as the identification of a strategic location, estimated cost of establishment and operation as well as the proposed allocation from each agency in establishing the office. The office which is expected to be opened in early of July, will play the critical role as the main marketing hub for the country's commodity products. The marketing of rubber products, rubber gloves, rubber medical products, engineered rubber products and rubber automotive products will be the main focus for this country. After the meeting had ended, Encik Nurul Islam, the CEO of MRC also took the opportunity to pay a courtesy call to Encik Muhtar Suhaili As-Sarawaki, CEO of MTC and leveraged on the opportunity to exchange views and ideas in developing the country's commodity industry. Next, the group proceeded for a gallery tour arranged by MTC to showcase their wood gallery that houses the country’s wood products. One product that was shown which piqued the interest was a wood product from oil palm trunks technologically developed from a joint study done by the National Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) which is still in the development phase. If it is successfully commercialized, the dependence of the country's timber industry on forest timber can be reduced and help to protect the country's natural treasures. It is also in line with the 12th Sustainable Development Goals which is Responsible Consumption and Production.

MRC received a courtesy visit from LGM Properties Corporation this morning which was attended by its Chairman, Hj. Muhammad Ismi Mat Talib; Tuan Hj. Ir Abdul Ariffahmi Ab Rahman as the Chief Executive Officer and Suhaini Haron, the Chief Operation Officer. A visit to MRC Gallery together with some briefings on rubber products were also given to LGM Properties Corporation by MRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusoff.

Presentation on the Guidelines for the Establishment of the National Rubber Industry Transformation Project (TARGET) by YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Zairossani Mohd Nor, Director General of the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), to YB Dato’ Dr. Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) today. Also present, MPIC Secretary General, YBhg. Datuk Ravi Muthayah; Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC); Tuan Haji Ariffahmi, Chief Executive Officer, LGMPC; Wan Asmady, Divisional Secretary, MPIC and Izwan Zarik, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, MRC. The project, which is expected to increase the income of the smallholders, will be implemented by MRB in collaboration with MRC and LGMPC. The project will also be funded by MRC with a grant of RM6 million using the technology of rubber crepe machines invented by MRB scientists. A series of courtesy visit from the Chief Executive Officer of MRC, Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusof to the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC), YB Dato 'Dr. Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, Deputy Ministers, YB Dato’ Sri Wee Jeck Seng and Datuk Willie Mongin that took place right after. Discussions held during the visit which focused on strategies to upgrade the living standards of rubber tappers, the B40 group, industry 4.0 as well as to ensure sustainable business planning and model.

On 15 March 2021, Nurul Islam bin Mohamed Yusoff has officially reported on duty as the new CEO in MRC. Together with him on that day was MRC’s Chairman, Yang Mulia Raja Dato’ Hj Idris Raja Kamarudin. MRC is delighted to welcome Nurul Islam and look forward to achieve great success together under his leadership and experience as the member of the Board of Directors of Malaysian Rubber Board and LGM Properties Corporation.

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) invites companies that have expertise and experience in virtual platform to participate in a tender on MRC Virtual Showcase. Only qualified companies are eligible to participate in the tender. The criteria for pre-qualification of companies are as follows:-

1. Must be a registered company with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
2. Company must be established for at least 3 years.
3. Experience in handling at least one virtual trade show/event.

Interested companies will need to provide the necessary supporting documents including a copy of company’s business registration certificate with SSM and portfolio to fulfil the above requirements to Ms Sheen at sheen@myrubbercouncil.com by 12.00 noon, 17 February 2021 (Wednesday). The information submitted by the companies will be verified by MRC and a notification will be sent to the qualified companies. The companies will need to confirm their attendance at the tender briefing in advance with MRC. Companies that are not able to send their representative to attend the briefing will be excluded from the tender process. Details of the Tender briefing are as follows: DATE : 22 February 2021, Monday TIME : 2.00 pm VENUE : Online Meeting