Orang Asli population have been among the hardest hit economically, and the recent floods in Johor, Pahang and Perak have further disrupted incomes while the fear of their children possibly contracting Covid-19 weighs on them. Despite these setbacks, Orang Asli families are eager for their children to continue schooling for a better future.
“Based on consumer spending trends we estimated a much lower fund collection, but TOP customers shopping at Tesco stepped up to support the campaign because Orang Asli education and well-being is an important cause for them as it is for us. We are elated by the caring and kindness of TOP customers. While our team did not visit the Orang Asli schools this year for everyone’s well-being our goal was to equip the students for the academic year, and to help them stay protected against Covid-19. The JAKOA team efficiently provided on-ground information, and the logistics support to get essentials to these isolated communities. Our thanks to everyone including the respective state education departments, teachers and Orang Asli village chiefs. Four hundred and twenty Orang Asli children have a brighter future thanks to you!” Ms Ling explains.
Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Head of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Ms Hanim Hamdan said that the leading retailer fully supported the campaigns goals and choose to add value by contributing water bottles and food containers to help Orang Asli students comply with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) of physical distancing.
The goals of the Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP campaign resonate with TESCO value of Every Little Help Makes a Big Difference. We are proud to be TOP’s retail partner for this campaign for the second consecutive year because the campaign is making a positive difference in underserved communities such as this. Our team chose to gift reusable water bottles for students to stay hydrated, and food containers for them to bring meals from home so they can ensure to continue physical distancing and to maintain the best hygiene by handling their own food, while the threat of Covid-19 is still at large. Our hope is that all of us can stay safe by following the SOPs during this time,” says Ms Hanim.
The Orang Asli primary schools receiving back-to-school essentials include SK Kampung Kudong a high-achieving Orang Asli school in a forest reserve in Bekok Johor, SK Pos Dipang in Jeram, Perak that has shown exceptional spirit in rebuilding from landslides, floods and other tragedies, and the isolated SK Terisu, in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Orang Asli students from SK Kenering, SK Pahit and SK Batu 4 in Perak were also recipients.
JAKOA Director General, Prof Juli Edo praised TOP, TESCO, the JAKOA team, teachers and the public who have contributed generously to the campaign.
“Many Orang Asli communities are economically fragile. The Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted their livelihood, and the recent floods have been a setback for some villages that were beginning to recover. The Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP back to school campaign is timely because it eases the strained finances of parents, motivates and equips children to head back to schools, and through the contribution of the reusable face masks gives them protection against the Covid-19 virus. This year’s campaign shows a lot of thoughtfulness towards the Orang Asli communities with important adds-on to help them stay protected, including the contribution of TOP Super Hygienic powder detergent for each students, and an unexpected but very welcome one kilogram of TOP powder detergent each for approximately 3,000 villagers. The kindness of so many Malaysians, and of TOP and Tesco will be remembered,” Prof Juli Edo says.
The JAKOA logistic team aided delivery of more than 200 cartons of TOP powder detergent has positively uplifted hundreds of Orang Asli families by easing their finances, providing motivation for children to stay in school.
Developed by Lion Corporation, Japan, TOP is known for championing the concept of hygienically clean living to encourage cleaner laundry, more comfort and a better sense of well-being through its continuous breakthrough innovations. It is famed for its Micro-Clean Tech that effectively removes both visible and invisible stains, so laundry is hygienically clean.
The campaign has been held for six years consecutively to motivate students from underserved communities and B40 households to achieve more by boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem; and to educate them on caring for their clothing so that they are clean, and hygienically laundered. It has now benefited almost 2,900 school children aged between 7 to 17 years from 85 communities in need including Orang Asli, and NGOs serving orphans and children from single parent households.
Tok Batin Ahmad bin Nanggong of Kampung Orang Asli Sg. Getan, Pos Terisu, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, said the community was overjoyed by the assistance as many of them are experiencing strained finances and worries regarding their children’s safety as they return to school.
“Thank you to TOP, Tesco, JAKOA and all who remembered us. This assistance has lifted a heavy burden from us. Many families in our village cannot afford to buy masks for our children, but we still want them to get a good education so they can succeed. The children are so excited and happy to be fully equipped as they head back to school, and parents have the ease of mind in knowing that the masks can protect them. The TOP powder detergent is much appreciated! This is the #KitaJagaKita spirit in practice!” explains Ahmad.
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