Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market ended slightly higher, supported by gains in crude oil prices.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a dealer mentioned that further gains were limited by a mixed performance in the regional rubber futures markets. Japanese rubber futures traded within a narrow range as investors considered the ongoing price war in China’s vehicle market against wet weather in key production areas.

In addition, Thailand’s meteorological agency has warned of heavy rains and possible flash floods, advising farmers to be cautious of potential crop damage.

At 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) and latex in bulk increased by one sen to 717.5 sen per kilogramme (kg) and 626.5 sen per kg.