KUALA LUMPUR: Nestle Malaysia today joined hands with the non-profit organisation Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to launch the ‘Safe Water, Safe Communities’ project aimed at providing clean water to deserving communities, with a focus on the Orang Asli.
The initiative will engage five villagers in Tasik Chini, Pahang, to install water filtration systems that will provide clean water to over 650 people in their communities. The water filtration systems use Swiss-designed technology (LifeStraw) approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which removes bacteria and provides safe, chemical-free water.
Nirmalah Thurai, executive director of group corporate affairs, Nestle Malaysia, said that access to clean, safe water is a basic human right and necessary for communities to survive and thrive.
“However, there are rural communities in Malaysia with limited access to clean water due to their remote locations and inadequate equipment to purify their water.
“We are pleased to embark on this project, together with our partner GPF, which will enable us to enhance the quality of life for these communities by providing sustainable, clean water,” she said at the launch of ‘Safe Water, Safe Communities’ at the Nestle Malaysia headquarters today.
Also present at the launch was Dr Teh Su Thye, chief executive officer (CEO) of GPF.
“I’m delighted to collaborate with Nestle to spearhead this project in bringing clean water to the underserved Orang Asli communities. With Nestle’s deep commitment to (providing) clean and safe water access, we hope that our partnership will be able to positively impact more communities and lives across Malaysia,” Dr Teh said.
The collaboration between GPF and Nestle Malaysia will see not only see the water filtration system installations, but engagement activities and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) training for children and adults to raise their awareness on the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
The installation and community engagement activities will take place from Sept to Dec this year, starting in Pahang.