The Sarawak Medical Innovation Technology Hub Sdn Bhd (SMITH) has inked an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank) to develop a medical glove manufacturing plant in the state. The plant’s objective is twofold, namely, addressing regional healthcare demands and fostering broader socio-economic development in Sarawak.
Established by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), SMITH operates as a medical hub, encompassing medical device manufacturing and technology commercialization across various sectors. The facility is situated within the SEDC Petchem Industrial Park, approximately 10 km from Bintulu Port in Tanjung Kidurong. The development of the glove-manufacturing plant will unfold in two phases, with each phase featuring the construction of four production lines, capable of producing 104 million gloves per month.
The strategic location of the plant positions it to capture a significant market share in this region, fostering a healthcare-focused commercial network spanning Pan-Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for Sarawakians, thereby stimulating economic growth and mitigating the region’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical equipment and medicines. The collaboration between SMITH and EXIM Bank signifies a concerted effort to boost local manufacturing capabilities in the medical sector, aligning with broader economic goals of self-sufficiency.
(Sources: EXIM Bank; The Borneo Post)
