BAT Malaysia hands over new sanitation facilities to Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang community

 

BRITISH American Tobacco (M) Bhd has recently handed over sanitation facilities benefiting 80 Orang Asli residents across 11 households in Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, Johor in its quest to improve the community’s access to safe and dignified hygiene facilities.

Done in collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative is intended to support the well-being of the Orang Asli community while contributing to broader efforts to improve living standards in communities that BAT Malaysia operates in.

“This initiative forms part of our wider water stewardship journey,” enthused BAT Malaysia’s corporate and regulatory affairs director Fairuz Helmi.

‘As the nation continues to prioritise inclusive rural development, we believe initiatives like this can complement government efforts by addressing critical, on-the-ground needs in partnership with local communities.”

As it is, the Johor state government has re-affirmed its commitment to ensuring that Orang Asli communities are not left behind as the state advances toward its 2030 development goals. Johor is currently home to 60 Orang Asli villages across five main ethnic groups.

Vast sanitisation improvement

Prior to the construction of the sanitation facilities, the Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang community lived with limited infrastructure, inaccessible septic tanks and constrained water supply which meant groups of up to 20 residents relied on a single sanitation unit.

Guided by Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standards, the new sanitation units are constructed with a plumbing system, water supply lines and septic tanks that now provide more reliable and dignified access to sanitation.

To support long-term sustainability, the facilities will be managed through a community-led model whereby trained residents will oversee daily maintenance and coordinate technical support for major repairs.

In this regard, a local management committee has been established to ensure regular cleaning and upkeep.

“Through our site visits and consultations, we worked closely with the community to develop facilities that reflect the community’s needs and priorities,” revealed JAKOA Johor director Faisal Long.

“As access to proper sanitation facilities is often overlooked, we’re grateful for BAT Malaysia’s support in improving the daily lives of the Orang Asli.”

As a whole, BAT Malaysia remains committed to advancing its ESG priorities with a continued focus on responsible water stewardship and community well-being.

Malaysia’s only listed cigarette manufacturer has been certified under the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard since 2024 which guides how organisations manage water resources responsibly.

“Moving forward, we’ll continue to work with partners and communities to deliver sustainable, long-term impact where it matters most,” added Fairuz. –  Focus Malaysia