Mercedes-Benz Malaysia supports Orang Asli communities with solar lighting systems

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, renowned for its commitment to innovation and social responsibility, has once again showcased its dedication to making a positive impact in communities. The company has recently teamed up with Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY) for the KampungKu Project, which aims at fulfilling the energy needs of indigenous rural communities across Malaysia.

Under the KampungKu Project, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia provided RM 10,000 to install solar lighting systems for 20 Orang Asli families of the Bateq tribe in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi, Merapoh, Pahang. 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's employees went above and beyond by not only delivering and installing 20 SunKing Pro solar lights with panels but also donating essential items like towels, blankets, clothes, toys for children, and food supplies to the Orang Asli families. What makes this gesture even more remarkable is that the employees personally delivered these contributions, travelling for three hours in a fleet of Mercedes-Benz SUVs to reach the village in Merapoh, Pahang.

Amanda Zhang, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, “We are deeply moved and humbled by the opportunity to support the Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi. Providing solar lights, a fundamental yet crucial necessity, mirrors our deep-seated commitment to making a significant and positive impact on these communities.” 

She added, "I am also very proud of how our employees rallied together for this cause, showcasing their spirit of generosity and teamwork. Their personal contributions, whether in the form of donations or by dedicating their time and effort to personally deliver the essentials, have been nothing short of inspiring. This collective action underscores the strength of our corporate culture, where we not only strive to achieve excellence in our work but also make a profound difference in the communities we serve. It’s a clear testament to the compassion and commitment that lie at the heart of our company values."

Andrew Sebastian, CEO & founder of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY) said, “We are immensely grateful for the collaborative effort with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in our KampungKu project. This joint initiative has successfully provided much-needed aid to 20 homes, addressing their basic needs. Witnessing the joy and brightness in their lives not only reinforces our commitment but also highlights the essence of our responsibility towards society. It is a vivid reminder of the powerful role empathy and collective effort play in not just meeting immediate needs but in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”

The initiative is part of the Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good programme, launched in 2023 with a RM 100,000 contribution, which was allocated to seven nonprofit organisations (including Food Aid Foundation, Zoo Negara Malaysia, the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Hospis Malaysia). The programme empowers employees to nominate and vote for preferred nonprofits, giving them control over the donation selection process.

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