KUALA LUMPUR: According to Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the country’s rubber industry is expected to experience significant growth in the future due to enhanced cooperation with China in the commodities sector. Fadillah, who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister, stated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to China has created opportunities for increased collaboration in commodities and agriculture-based industries, such as rubber, palm oil, biodiesel, and access to the Chinese market for Malaysian agricultural products. In light of this, the Ministry is planning to organize a mission to China to discuss further cooperation in potential areas of development.
Fadillah explained that there is a focus on rubber products utilized in the construction industry, with an emphasis on products that can enhance the resilience of buildings to withstand seismic activity. To achieve this, the Malaysian Rubber Board Technology Day (LGM) 2023 event highlighted the collaboration between LGM and Tun Abdul Razak Research Center (TARRC) to develop seismic rubber bearing technology that addresses structural movement caused by temperature fluctuations or earthquake vibrations. Noteworthy structures in Malaysia that have utilized seismic rubber bearings include the Penang Second Bridge, the Hevea Malaysia Academy building in Langkawi, and the MPOB building in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
Another significant achievement of LGM and TARRC is the NaturalFR research project. Rubber products manufactured using NaturalFR compounds possess flame retardant, low smoke, and low toxicity properties. These products have been effectively employed in the door entrances of several railway stations in the United Kingdom.
The recent council meeting also witnessed the signing of two agreements: a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between LGM and Jupiter Solution, Natrab MFBI Enterprise, and the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), as well as a Commercialization Cooperation Agreement between LGM and the MRC. These agreements aim to promote LGM’s innovative products domestically and internationally. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
