Etika partners with Yayasan Food Bank for flood relief

In response to the devastating floods that have displaced communities across Malaysia, Etika Sdn. Bhd., a leading beverage company, has emerged as the largest contributor of in-kind donations to Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM) for this flood season and throughout 2024.

With a contribution exceeding RM250,000, Etika has provided over 7,000 cartons of essential beverages, including dairy-based drinks (Goodday Milk), bottled water (Bleu Mineral Water), and energy drinks (WONDA Coffee)—amounting to nearly 130,000 bottles and cans. These supplies not only support flood victims but also aid frontline personnel, including members of the Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), and various local NGOs involved in rescue and relief efforts.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commended Etika’s swift response, stating, “Etika’s swift action in providing aid reflects its genuine concern and strong spirit of solidarity in supporting the community during these challenging times. Etika’s response to this national crisis exemplifies the spirit of corporate Malaysia at its best.”

Etika’s Commitment to Immediate and Long-Term Relief

Etika’s extensive efforts go beyond donations, as the company also mobilizes volunteers to ensure swift and effective distribution of aid to flood-affected areas. This hands-on approach aligns with its corporate philosophy of direct community engagement.

Chief Executive Officer of Etika Sdn. Bhd. for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Mr. Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, emphasized the company’s dedication to relief efforts. “In this moment of adversity, we believe that every small effort counts. The floods have deeply impacted many lives, and it is both our corporate and human responsibility to step up and provide support. More than just contributing products, we believe in being part of the collective effort to help communities rebuild and recover.”

Beyond emergency assistance, Etika remains committed to long-term relief initiatives, working alongside Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia to provide ongoing aid. This partnership has proven instrumental in sustaining community resilience, ensuring that affected individuals receive continued support as they recover from the disaster.

A Legacy of Corporate Social Responsibility

Etika’s flood relief efforts build upon its longstanding corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Since 2019, the company has collaborated with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia to address food security and emergency relief needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Etika was one of the foundation’s largest contributors, supplying critical resources to those in need.

With the latest RM250,000 donation, Etika’s contributions to YFBM since 2021 have surpassed RM430,000, amounting to over 12,000 cartons of essential beverage products. This commitment underscores Etika’s proactive role in humanitarian aid, reinforcing its reputation as a socially responsible corporate leader.

Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia’s Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to Etika Sdn Bhd for their contributions to flood victims, frontline workers, volunteers, and the wider community through Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia. Our collaboration continues, and every contribution is deeply appreciated.”

Driving Change Through Sustainable Initiatives

Etika’s commitment to social impact extends beyond flood relief, with various CSR programs aimed at uplifting underserved communities. Among its key initiatives:

• ATLAS Hygiene Aid Initiative: In partnership with the Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary Constituency Office, Etika provided free sanitary products to over 200 underprivileged women and girls, addressing period poverty and promoting hygiene awareness.
• RM1 Thirst Quencher Campaign: Through a collaboration with the Minister of Economy under the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) program, Etika introduced affordable RM1 beverages via 3,000 vending machines nationwide, ensuring accessibility to healthier drink options for lower-income communities.
• Partnership with Kechara Food Bank: Etika has consistently contributed to food security efforts, donating 1,175.04 kg of beverages in October 2024 and 100 cartons of Lipton Ice Tea in June 2024 to support marginalized communities.

By continuously forging meaningful partnerships and spearheading impactful initiatives, Etika reinforces its role as a responsible corporate entity dedicated to improving lives. As Malaysia grapples with natural disasters and economic challenges, Etika’s proactive approach serves as a model for corporate social responsibility, emphasizing hope, resilience, and collective action in times of crisis.