Latexx Partners Bhd's pre-tax profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011 fell to RM14.94 million from RM23.25 million in the same period last year.

Revenue dropped to RM94.75 million from RM126.17 million previously due to high latex price and continuous weakening of the US dollar, it said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

It said global demand for gloves was still strong and continued to grow.

'This is contributed by the growing hygiene awareness and standard in both medical and non-medical sectors as well as the aging of world population, and the expanded healthcare expenditure worldwide,' it said. - Bernama