Based on the past few year data, the Textile and Apparel (T&A) has been contributing about 1.2% of GDP.   The immediate past few year export data indicating to a very positive and bright future ahead.

Mr. Tang said the industries has gone through the infancy and growth phases and it is now under matured phase.

The industries shall focus on contemporary and modernization of management, technology advancement on automation to sustain and remain competitive in the global market.

He totally disagreed and rejected the mindset of textile industries as sunset industry. He opined that the textile and apparel industry shall survive forever with above mentioned strategies.

Please refer to both articles for more highlight and details.
26th Apr 2017
07th May 2017

Introduction of MKMA
The Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA) is a national textile trade association established in the year 1975. The primary objective is to encourage, promote and protect the interests of the knitters and related textile manufacturers.

MKMA membership is drawn from all sectors of textile and apparel industry covering the spinning, knitting, printing, dyeing & finishing , garment manufacturing and related suppliers including accessories, dyestuffs and machinery operating in 8 states of the country.   Membership also extends to associate members internationally.

Mission:
* To increase the global competitiveness of the industry
* To upgrade the quality of textile products
* To explore and create market opportunities for members
* To deal with problems on an industry-wide basis.

Malaysia Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA) president Tang Chong Chin told MALAYSIA SME that, ‘there are a few big players in the Malaysia knitting manufacturing sector, but for the most part, the overwhelming majority of operators in Malaysia are SME companies.

These include both textile manufacturers and apparel manufacturers. In the Malaysia context, the breakdown is roughly 70% for apparel manufacturers and 30% for textile manufacturers.

Malaysia Budget 2016 announced the increase of minimum wage to RM1,000 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM920 for Sabah and Sarawak recently did not provide grace period of it implementation. It would add a further strain on member’s businesses. ‘Businesses are now having to deal with the GSt, the decline in value of the ringgit, as well as the wage increase.’

Tang said that one suggestion put forward to the government to fix the issue of foreign labour is to make it easier for genuine and law-abiding manufacturers to hire legal foreign workers.

Many SME are forced to hire illegal foreign workers as they are simply unable to hire any through legal channels and they cannot afford to pay levies and fees.

Additionally, the government has imposed many regulation that make it almost impossible for SMEs to hire legal foreign workers which includes regulation on foreign worker ratio, minimum turnover and also various specifications on foreign workers once they are hired.

Article can be view using this link : Engage Issue 170 Malaysia SME