Malaysia's Karex Berhad, the world's largest condom producer, expects demand this year to reach pre-pandemic highs in consumer purchases of premium products and restocking by health agencies, according to the company's CEO.

"The value of sales may increase further as consumers buy more premium products," Goh Miah Kiat said, without advancing the numbers in view.

"We are starting to see a lot of orders coming in on an emergency basis," he said, adding that state institutions, where the products have sold out in the last two years, are the ones that are requesting condoms the most.

Sales to brands like Durex increased 30% in FY2021 and accounted for 60% of its revenues, up from 49% in the previous year.

"When there was a 40% drop in terms of worldwide consumption, Karex's consumer segment ... continued to grow," he revealed.

Sales are up particularly in the company's consumer business, after the pandemic triggered lockouts, factory closures and the hindering of social activities.

In the year ending June 2021, the company's sales grew by 6%, up from 4% the year before, although it posted its first annual loss since listing in 2013.

For fiscal 2022, analysts expect sales to grow 9%.

Later this year the company may launch new products including condom models such as those made of synthetic material, and is looking to diversify into the manufacture of medical gloves.