A GLOBAL condom shortage looms after deadly coronavirus shut down the world’s top producer.
Karex Bhd, based in Malaysia, was forced to stop production after lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of the disease.
The company makes one in every five condoms in the world – but it has not produced a single contraception from its three factories for more than a week.
This means a shortfall of 100 million condoms, which are usually marketed internationally by brands such as Durex.
The condoms are also supplied to the NHS and the UN Population Fund.
Karex Bhd has been given permission to restart production on Friday – but with just half its workforce under a special exemption for critical industries.
Chief Executive Goh Miah Kiat said: “It will take time to jumpstart factories and we will struggle to keep up with demand at half capacity.
“We are going to see a global shortage of condoms everywhere, which is going to be scary.
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
“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.”
Malaysia is the worst affected country in Southeast Asia – with 2,161 coronavirus infections and 26 deaths. The lockdown is due to remain in place at least until April 14.
China is also a major condom-making country but factories were shut down after the killer bug originated in the country.
Goh said: “The good thing is that the demand for condoms is still very strong because like it or not, it’s still an essential to have.
“Given that at this point in time people are probably not planning to have children. It’s not the time, with so much uncertainty.”
Yesterday, the coronavirus death toll has reached 20,000 across 182 countries – with three billion people around the world now in lockdown.
The virus has infected almost 500,000 people globally since breaking out in December, forcing governments to restrict people’s movements in a bid to slow its spread.
The death toll has begun to rise as healthcare systems across the world are overwhelmed by new patients.
