Duopharma Biotech's manufacturing activities to continue during movement control order period

KUALA LUMPUR (March 18): Duopharma Biotech Bhd said all manufacturing activities at its sites in Klang, Bangi and Glenmarie will continue with extra precautions in place in order to continue supporting the healthcare sector amid the government-imposed movement control order starting today.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Duopharma Biotech said the group and its subsidiaries are involved in manufacturing, trading and supply of pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products, which fall under the “essential services” category.

As such, it is not bound by the movement control order imposed by the government so it is exempted from closure.

"We are committed to adhere to the government’s directives and guidelines whilst ensuring the delivery of the medicines, consumer healthcare products and medical devices to our customers.

"Therefore, subject to any restrictions or impediments that may arise from the Covid-19 pandemic or otherwise, any purchases and/or orders of medicines, consumer healthcare products and medical devices will as far as possible continue as usual," it said.

However, it pointed out that its registered office and headquarters in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, will be closed during the restriction period.

At the same time, Duopharma Innovation Sdn Bhd, a research & development arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Duopharma Biotech, located at the Zon Perindustrian Hicom Glenmarie, will also be closed during the period, it added.

"We have activated split team for the relevant staff at all sites to work from home, whilst employing electronic meetings, video conferencing, and other digital platforms for communicating with each other," Duopharma Biotech said.

It further clarified that the group's sales representatives are restricted from making visits to hospitals and clinics. "They will also employ the same communication tools as mentioned earlier," it said.

The movement control order is effective today until March 31 to curb the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, which has killed its first two victims in Malaysia yesterday, as the number of infections surpassed 670.

The order entails comprehensive restriction on movements and public gatherings nationwide including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.

It also includes the shutdown of houses of worship and business premises, except for supermarkets, public markets, convenience stores and other essential services.

At 2.44pm, shares of Duopharma Biotech were trading down 3 sen or 2.59% at RM1.13 with a market capitalisation of RM773.35 million.