Duopharma says there is no halt to its manufacturing ops

KUALA LUMPUR: Duopharma Biotech Bhd has said that 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 that started yesterday.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Duopharma 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 and so it is exempt from closure.

“We are committed to adhering to the government’s directives and guidelines while ensuring the delivery of 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, the group’s wholly-owned research and development arm located at 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, videoconferencing, and other digital platforms for communicating with each other,” Duopharma 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 took effect yesterday and will last until March 31 to curb the Covid-19 outbreak, which killed its first two victims in Malaysia on Tuesday, as the number of infections surpasses 790.

The order entails comprehensive restrictions 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.