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Coronavirus Pandemic Could Lead To Global Condom Shortage, Our Storage Can Only Last Two Months — World’s Biggest Condom Producer

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5 years ago

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The Malaysia based company said it has not produced a single condom from its three Malaysian factories for more than a week.

This is due to a lockdown imposed by the government to halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Bloomberg has reported.

A condom is the most widely used contraceptives in the world.

Karex Bhd makes one in every five condoms globally. It produces for brands like Durex as well as its own line of specialty condoms such as Durian-flavored ones.

It churns out more than 5 billion condoms a year and exports them to more than 140 countries. That has become more challenging as governments shut borders and airlines cancel flights.

The other major condom-producing countries are China, where the coronavirus originated and led to widespread factory shutdowns, and India and Thailand, which are seeing infections spiking now.

Sadly, Malaysia is one of the hardest-hit countries in southeast Asia. As of Monday morning, more than 2,400 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, with 35 deaths.

The lockdown in the country is due to remain in place at least until April 14.

The Chief Executive of the group, Goh Miah Kiat, warned of a global shortage as supply falls by almost 50 percent while its stockpile is set to last for just another two months.

He said the company only restarted its factories on Friday after a week-long closure, working with just half of its workforce.

“It will take time to jumpstart factories and we will struggle to keep up with demand at half capacity,” Mr Kiat said.

“We are going to see a global shortage of condoms everywhere, which is going to be scary.

“My concern is that for a lot of humanitarian programs deep down in Africa, the shortage will not just be two weeks or a month. That shortage can run into months,” he said.

Mr Kiat also said demand is growing at “double digits” as governments around the world issue stay-at-home notices and many people abstain from having children due to the uncertain future.

He warned of a possible price hike in the purchase of condoms.

“Condoms could also get much more expensive. We are still paying all our worker’s full salaries but workers only come in half the time so generally, there will be a cost increase,” he said.

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BIG STORY

BREAKING: Oyo Governor Approves Appointment Of Canadian-Based Businessman Prince Abimbola As New Alaafin

Published

7 hours ago

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January 10, 2025

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After a two-year dispute over the vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Abimbola Owoade, a young Canadian-based businessman, as the new monarch of the kingdom.

 

More to come…

 

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BIG STORY

Dismissed Kano SSG Abdullahi Bichi Threatens To Expose Government, Political Figures

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8 hours ago

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January 10, 2025

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The recently dismissed Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, has threatened to reveal what he described as “explosive evidence” against political figures, accusing them of deceit and betrayal.

Bichi, who was removed from office in December 2024, made the declaration upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, he addressed his supporters and accused the leaders of betrayal and deceit, saying, “I’m happy I left the office in peace, but let me be clear: this is not the best time to talk. At the right time, we will expose them.”

“I have documents, videos, and voice notes that will show everyone who they really are,” Bichi added.

The former SSG’s strained relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf and his mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, became evident after his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on October 14, 2024. Bichi described the leaders as “masters of betrayal,” claiming his evidence would expose their true nature.

Political observers and residents of Kano are speculating on whether Bichi will follow through with his threats, and how it may impact the political landscape in the region.

Bichi was accused of attempting to sever Yusuf’s ties with Kwankwaso’s political influence. He was subsequently suspended from the party alongside then-Transportation Commissioner, Muhammad Diggol.

The State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, stated that the suspension followed multiple complaints from party leadership at the ward and local government levels.

Dungurawa emphasized that the actions of the suspended officials undermined the party’s leadership and structure.

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BIG STORY

DSS Arrests Blogger For Cloning Its Website, Posting Fake Recruitment Notice

Published

9 hours ago

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January 10, 2025

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the man responsible for cloning its website and posting a false recruitment notice.

It was gathered that 32-year-old Sylvester Victor Augustus, a native of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa-Ibom State, was apprehended on Thursday at his residence on Akpan Eno Lane in Abak, Abak LGA.

Augustus, who claimed to be a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and worked as a blogger and content creator, had created a fake online recruitment notice on the cloned DSS website, likely intending to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

The DSS has labeled the notice “fake” and urged the public to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Augustus is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

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