“Safe Water, Safe Communities” Programme builds a dam in Kampung Lumut to enhance clean water access for local villagers
Negeri Sembilan, September 29, 2025 – Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right and a foundation for healthier and more resilient communities. With this objective in mind, Nestlé Malaysia has been actively working over the years to improve access to this vital resource through its Safe Water, Safe Communities programme. More concretely, this initiative is dedicated to improving access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure for Orang Asli families across the country.
Since its launch in 2018, the programme, in collaboration with Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, has benefitted more than 1,000 families. Communities have received essential infrastructure including water filtration systems, solar-powered pumps, gravity-fed water systems, and washrooms. In addition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) training has been provided to promote better hygiene practices that support better health amongst Orang Asli communities.
Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said: “We are pleased to work once again together with Global Peace Foundation to drive positive lasting impact on Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. These efforts reflect Nestlé’s broader water stewardship agenda, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on protecting hydric resources, enhancing community resilience and creating long-term value for people and planet. In Malaysia, we are inspired by the collaboration with Global Peace Foundation which has enabled us to reach many Orang Asli communities around the nation to provide them safe water access, build basic sanitary infrastructures and raise awareness on hygiene practices. We will continue to expand this initiative to create lasting positive change amongst these communities in need. Today, by building this dam, and beyond the immediate and lasting improvement in living conditions for the Orang Asli community in Kampung Lumut, we are also creating a lasting symbol of our partnership with Global Peace Foundation and our common objective to empower these communities and improve their living conditions. I would like to mention the enthusiastic involvement of numerous Nestlé colleagues, all volunteering their time to join us today, confirming the relevance of our Nestlé Sayang Komuniti employee volunteering platform.”
Dr. Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, added, “This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships. The dam at Kampung Lumut is a lifeline that supports health, livelihoods and dignity for the Orang Asli community. By combining Nestlé’s commitment, our expertise, and the villagers’ active participation, we have created a solution that the community can sustain and build upon for years to come.”
Ukai bin Badak, Village Head of Kampung Lumut, shared, “For many years, we have relied on an old system and a dam that has fallen into disrepair. This has made it difficult for us to have enough clean water, and we often worry about the health of our families. With this new system, we look forward to finally having a reliable source of clean water for our homes. We are truly grateful to Nestlé and Global Peace Foundation Malaysia for helping us restore something so important to our community.”
With climate change intensifying its impact on the environment, Nestlé Malaysia and its partners; including governmental, reputable non-governmental organisations, and community groups are highlighting how effective partnerships can drive positive societal and environmental impact. Through concrete and strategic solution programmes, these efforts align with the Company’s aspiration to shape a brighter future for the nation, its diverse communities, and the planet.
