MRC Offers Incentive Package To Access Non-traditional Markets In 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) will offer 20 incentive packages next year, including grants of up to RM30,000 per participation in trade exhibitions, to explore emerging markets such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe to reduce dependence on conventional markets.

MRC chief executive officer Muhammad Eizaaz Muhammad Redzuan said the initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to Malaysian rubber product companies, and is targeted specifically at small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“The incentives, which cover market promotion, certification, compliance with international standards, human capital development, and export readiness and competitiveness enhancement, will open up new opportunities and reduce reliance on a single market,” he said as a guest on Bernama Radio's Jendela Fikir.

He said the incentive is in line with efforts to diversify export destinations for Malaysia’s rubber products industry.

Additionally, Muhammad Eizaaz said MRC will continue to expand the Pathfinder Programme as a structured approach to help companies with no prior export experience to penetrate international markets.

“The Pathfinder Programme is targeted at companies that are not yet export-ready and we (MRC) will assist them until they are able to enter the international market," he said, adding that its scope will be expanded to include sectors related to latex rubber products beyond gloves.

Muhammad Eizaaz also said trade agreements such as the Malaysia–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to strengthen market access through tariff reductions and trade facilitation.

MRC also plans to participate in major Middle Eastern trade exhibitions, including the World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai, Automechanika Dubai, Big 5 Global, and the Global Health Exhibition in Saudi Arabia, to enhance Malaysian rubber products’ international presence.

He also said Poland has been identified as a strategic gateway into Eastern Europe, particularly for automotive-related products, medical products, and rubber-based components.

“Poland is a rapidly growing market and serves as a hub to access the broader Eastern European market. MRC will conduct a working visit in 2026 to take a look at opportunities available and potential barriers when entering the Eastern European market,” he said.

Besides supporting industrial development, the MRC is also implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in line with its role as an agency under the Plantation and Commodities Ministry.

Among its key initiatives were coordinating the COVID-19 pandemic contribution of more than 39 million pieces of rubber gloves, supporting humanitarian missions to Palestine in 2023, and being involved in post-pandemic social programmes based on the Malaysia MADANI concept.

— BERNAMA