Malaysia's Karex Berhad, producer of one in five condoms worldwide and supplier to brands like Durex and UNFPA, paused operations for about 10 days amid COVID-19 restrictions. The company warns of a genuine risk of global shortages.
As of early 2020, Malaysia reported 2,320 COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths, prompting strict lockdowns until at least April 14. Major factories, including those of world-leading Karex Berhad, shut down. According to a March 27, 2020, The Guardian report, this halt created a deficit of more than 100 million condoms. Production resumed under special permission for essential industries, but at only 50% workforce capacity.
Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat emphasizes the challenge: ramping up production will take time, straining supply to meet demand. He notes potential surges in usage during uncertain times, as people may delay family planning—a plausible trend worth monitoring.
Key producers like China (recovering but facing second-wave risks), India, and Thailand are also seeing rising cases, likely leading to further disruptions. While no specific data on their condom output is available, the combined pressures heighten the threat of shortages worldwide.
