Ayam Brand gives back to Orang Asli community during Covid-19

The Orang Asli community have felt the economic impact of Covid-19 through reduced economic opportunities, and they have been trying to make end meets with help from the government and civil society groups.

Ayam Brand, a multi-national food company that has become a household name in Malaysia and Asia for its canned processed foods, stood with the Orang Asli community during these difficult times.

In collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), Ayam Brand introduced the corporate responsibility #AyamWithYou community care campaign to help the Orang Asli communities facing difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic

“We have reached out to different communities, especially those in need through our community care campaign, and are glad to work with JAKOA to support the Orang Asli communities,” said Ayam Brand Malaysia’s marketing manager Teoh Wei Ling.

The community care campaign is being rolled out with one month’s supply of Ayam Brand and Alce Nero products benefiting a total of 167 Orang Asli families at four locations, namely Kampung Orang Asli Tibang in Perak, Kampung Orang Asli Teluk  Gunung in Pahang, Kampung Orang Asli Changkat Bintang in Selangor and Kampung Orang Asli Kangkar Senanga in Johor.

“Our products are nutrient dense with reduced sugar and sodium that well suit Orang Asli diets. We modified the community pantry concept as there are fewer donors due to the isolated locations. We welcome other brands to join us in supporting these communities. The take away from the #AyamWithYou campaign is that as communities we can lift each other up,” added Teoh.

JAKOA director-general Prof Dr Juli Edo said that the #AyamWithYou campaign was needful for its tangible and psychological support of Orang Asli communities through the contribution of food essentials during these challenging times.

“The stimulus package provided has been helpful for many communities nationwide, including Orang Asli, but they are still facing economic challenges, specifically putting food on the table. The #AyamWithYou campaign is a timely and positive uplift for Orang Asli communities, a reminder that they are not alone, as organisations and individuals have their interest at heart,” he said, thanking Ayam Brand and Alce Nero for their generous contribution of premium healthy food products.

“These communities are hard hit economically, and the contribution of food items with longer shelf lives is a vital lifeline. We hope more organisations join the #AyamWithYou campaign, or initiate their own charitable giving,” he added.

“Times are very tough for us as economic activity in our area has reduced and opportunities are scarce. This contribution from Ayam Brand and JAKOA eases some of our worries on providing for our families. We appreciate the thoughtfulness and the quantity of quality products. This can keep all 59 families here fed for a month or longer. We have not tried tuna, saba or pasta before so this is also a culinary adventure for us,” said recipient Yok Chicher A/L Yok Sadai.

The #AyamWithYou community care campaign has supported front liners at Hospital Sungai Buloh, the homeless, the differently abled, orphans, single mothers and the elderly since the Covid-19 pandemic started in Malaysia. Approximately 20,000 Ayam Brand products have been distributed to date.

The #AyamWithYou community pantry, another initiative by Ayam Brand, is now self-sustaining in 13 locations nationwide with communities coming together to give and to take daily essentials such as food, to help those in need, supported by product contributions from Ayam Brand, Alce Nero and Mission Foods.

Through its long-running CSR programmes, Ayam Brand has contributed more than two million healthy meals for charity, providing nutritious food to more than 21,800 people from 524 charity organisations and NGOs over the past 13 years.