KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has successfully produced a new generation of rubber composites for the manufacture of aerospace balloons, the first of its kind in the world, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The research for the new-generation rubber composites, created by combining graphene extracts with natural rubber, was led by Malaysians with the cooperation of a world-renowned university, he said.
“The new discovery will enable Malaysia to participate in high-value industries and venture into a new market involving satellite and aerospace applications, thus boosting the nation’s rubber product export value,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Malaysia International Agri-commodity Expo and Summit (MIACES) 2022 here today.
He noted that Malaysia is also well-known as an exporter of high-quality natural rubber and rubber products, especially rubber gloves which have penetrated nearly 190 countries.
“In line with the present evolution in the rubber product manufacturing chain, Malaysia has diversified rubber-based products, particularly those of high value,” he said.
The prime minister said Malaysia is also a pioneer in the implementation of tropical forest certification through the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme which has been recognised and endorsed by other countries.
Ismail Sabri said the country’s furniture sector is also undergoing a transformation and is producing furniture designs that have become increasingly known at the international level under the Tanggam label. – BERNAMA
