Malaysia’s medical devices industry comprise more than 250 manufacturers of which 30 are multinationals that have made Malaysia their manufacturing base. In addition to producing rubber gloves, the industry also produces higher value-added and technologically advanced products such as cardiac pacemakers, stents, orthopaedic implantable devices, ophthalmic lenses including contact lenses, dental instruments and appliances, and electromedical, therapeutic and monitoring devices. Malaysia’s exports of medical devices were valued at US$10 billion in 2021.
Medical Devices from Malaysia
Malaysia has the largest medical devices industry within the ASEAN region with an estimated market size of US$1.8 billion and is the preferred offshore manufacturing site for global medtech companies.
“Malaysia is the preferred outsourcing destination and medical device manufacturing hub within the ASEAN thanks to strong support from the government to develop this industry. Malaysia’s position is further reinforced with the existence of world class supporting infrastructure such as sterilisation services, precision engineering, contract moulding and assembly, machinery fabrication, universities, research and training institutes as well as testing and accreditation bodies” said Mr. Megat Iskandar – Trade Commissioner of Malaysia to the UAE.
Malaysia at the Arab Health
Malaysia considers the gulf region as a major market for pharmaceutical and medical equipment due each government’s commitment to provide quality healthcare to its growing population. Companies participating under the Malaysia pavilion this year are mainly manufacturers of syringes, haemodialysis concentrates, irrigation solutions and other hospital consumables, rubber products, stem cells for hospital and research, laboratory equipment, facility and asset management services for hospital among others. This is Malaysia’s 19th year participating in the event, which shows our strong commitment to this market, added Megat.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and Malaysia
Despite the challenges and uncertainties around the world, Malaysia is optimistic for 2023 with the global economy opening up after the pandemic. “Already we have seen a 41.2% growth in our exports to the UAE during the first 11 months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Malaysia’s total trade with UAE during this period registered at US$8.06 billion. We foresee bilateral trade between Malaysia and the UAE will further improve with the easing of travel restrictions in both countries,” said Megat.
