Movement Control Order causes global condom shortage
Global condom shortage caused by Malaysia’s MCO
Image adapted from: The Finder and Head Topics
Now that we’re all stuck at home due to Movement Control Order (MCO), we have lots of time to do things we couldn’t do before – picking up new hobbies, binge-watching TV series, and some “night-time activities”. Ahem. After all, excuses like “I’m too tired from work” and “I have to wake up early tomorrow” no longer apply during this time.
However, some have begun to notice empty condom shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores. If you’re thinking it’s solely because every other Malaysian is having the same after-dinner plans, it’s actually not. The shortage is actually caused by the MCO itself because the world’s top condom manufacturer is based right here in Malaysia. Like any other business during this time, they too aren’t allowed to operate as usual.
Karex Bhd has stopped operations for over a week
For the uninitiated, Karex Bhd is the world’s biggest condom manufacturer and is said to produce 1 of every 5 condoms, with their most popular brand being Durex. Due to MCO, none of the 3 factories in Malaysia have been operating for a total of 10 days and this has already caused a shortfall of roughly 100 million condoms.
The global condom shortage has even appeared across numerous headlines from foreign media, including British publications like The Guardian and BBC. It seems that until the COVID-19 pandemic tides over, “Netflix and chill” will just be “Netflix” for the time being.
One, famously known for their nasi lemak-flavoured condoms, also has their condoms manufactured by Karex
Image credit: Business Times
On Friday, 27th March 2020, the government gave Karex the green light to continue operations but only at 50% capacity as only half the workforce is allowed to enter the premises for work. According to The Guardian, chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said that the company will struggle to keep up with demand while operating only at half capacity.
Image credit: @needstheloo
He continued to say that the world is going to see a global shortage of condoms everywhere. And it’s not the couples who are taking the brunt of it as their condoms play a big role in humanitarian programs as well. For instance, the United Nations Population Fund distributes Karex’s condoms to low-income earning communities around the globe.
Disheartened netizens react to the news
Netizens all over the world seemed to share similar sentiments after reading the news of an impending global condom shortage as it means that they’ll have to find a substitute activity for when the lights go out. Many took to social media to rant and even poke fun at the matter.
April Nowlin was one of them, and she made a witty remark on BBC’s write-up. Her caption read “The next baby wave: The Coronials”, referring to a potential baby boom due to worldwide quarantines and the condom shortage.
Image adapted from: @AprilNowlin3
In the comments section from The Rakyat Post‘s post, Facebook userJames Loh joked that Malaysians will “populate the world” once the MCO is over.
Image adapted from: James Loh
Practice safe sex regardless
Whether or not you’re able to get your hands on a packet of condoms during this time, be sure to always practice safe sex. The condom shortage is not an excuse to put your health and partner at risk.
If you’re looking for other things you can do to fill up your time, this list of funny things that Malaysians are doing at home may just inspire you to take on the challenge of balancing a whole tray of eggs or maybe even separating the contents of a 3-in-1 instant coffee packet.
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