World’s top surgical glove maker shuts factories amid COVID-19 outbreak

Malaysia will close some of Top Glove's factories as it moves to screen employees

Published: November 23, 2020 17:55 Reuters and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 11

Malaysia will close some of Top Glove's factories in stages as it moves to screen employees for the novel coronavirus after more than 2,000 workers tested positive, authorities said on Monday. Image Credit: Reuters

2 of 11

The world's largest maker of latex gloves has racked up record profits this year on sky-rocketing demand for its products and protective gear, thanks to the pandemic. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 11

But 28 factory buildings will be shut in phases after 2,453 workers tested positive for the virus, from 5,767 screened, said Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah. Image Credit: REUTERS

4 of 11

"All those who tested positive have been hospitalised and their close contacts have been quarantined to avoid infecting other workers," Noor Hisham said. Image Credit: Reuters

5 of 11

Most of the total 2,524 positive cases in the cluster were factory workers, with 2,360 foreigners and 164 Malaysians, he said. Image Credit: Reuters

6 of 11

Senior Security Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on the health ministry's advice and risk evaluation, the government has agreed that some of Top Glove factories be closed in stages, to allow further screening and quarantine. He did not say when the closures would begin, however. Image Credit: Reuters

7 of 11

Top Glove said in a stock exchange filing that it has temporarily stopped production at 16 facilities in the area since last Wednesday, with the balance of 12 facilities operating at much reduced capacities. Image Credit: Reuters

8 of 11

"We have completed full screening of about 5,700 workers at our hostels. We are committed to proceed with the (health ministry) recommended COVID-19 screening test of the balance (of) workers and staff at our factories in Meru, Klang," it said. Image Credit: Reuters

9 of 11

Last week, the government ordered 14-day curbs through Nov. 30 in parts of a district about 40 kms (24.8 miles) west of the capital Kuala Lumpur, where Top Glove factories and dormitories are located. Image Credit: Reuters

10 of 11

Analysts had said the curbs did not change earnings forecasts for the company but they could re-assess projections if infections at the factories rise sharply and curbs are extended. Image Credit: AFP

11 of 11

Infections in Malaysia have been increasing sharply since October, prompting the government to tighten movement curbs. Total cases rose to 56,659 on Monday. Image Credit: Reuters

Photos News

World’s top surgical glove maker shuts factories amid COVID-19 outbreak

More From Photos

Photos: Tensions rise as US pro-Palestinian student protests spread

Look: Our amazing Earth seen from above

Photos: UAE President receives Sultan of Oman

Photos: Spanish hospital enlists therapy dogs to boost ICU patients' morale

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

World’s top surgical glove maker shuts factories amid COVID-19 outbreak

More From Photos

Photos: Tensions rise as US pro-Palestinian student protests spread

Look: Our amazing Earth seen from above

Photos: UAE President receives Sultan of Oman

Photos: Spanish hospital enlists therapy dogs to boost ICU patients' morale

GULFNEWS SECTIONS