KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 -- Malaysian rubber glove manufacturer WRP Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd will begin winding down its operations this month, citing disruptions to global energy and petrochemical supply chains linked to the Middle East conflict.

In a letter dated March 31 to customers, the company said it has been hit by sharp increases in the cost of petrochemical-based raw materials and chemicals, alongside growing uncertainty over supply timelines and stricter payment demands from suppliers, Bloomberg reported.

"These unforeseen circumstances have forced us to make the difficult but necessary decision to begin the process of winding down business operations with effect from 15 April," the company said in the letter.

The move comes amid w...