Speech LAUNCH OF MALAYSIA, JOM LEBIH SIHAT! CAMPAIGN

It is my pleasure to welcome all of you today to the official launch of “Malaysia, Jom Lebih Sihat!” campaign. First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you, for making time in your schedules to attend today’s event, which is truly a momentous occasion for Unilever Malaysia and Lifebuoy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Malaysians, we have experienced our share of diseases and illnesses over the years. From diarrhoea, which according to UNICEF reports, causes 1.5 million deaths annually worldwide amongst children aged 5 years and below, to the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, which affects two children in Malaysia every hour, to the recent influenza pandemic that claimed the lives of 77 individuals in Malaysia last year. The more worrysome part is that in many cases, diseases such as those mentioned just now could have been prevented with the practice of good and correct personal hygiene.

Indeed, health professionals the world over agree that the practice of good personal hygiene is the single most effective measure towards the prevention of many of the diseases we face today. In this regard, we are reminded time and again of the importance of proper personal hygiene by the Ministry of Health and other parties, but how many of us actually take heed of this advice and put words to action? It starts with us – in our homes, our families, our schools, our offices and has to be part and parcel of our lives.

These are the reasons that prompted us at Lifebuoy to initiate the “Malaysia, Jom Lebih Sihat!” campaign, to encourage all Malaysians to lead a healthier life as well as to provide the underprivileged the opportunity to live with greater freedom from health problems through the provision of hygiene care product.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is ironic that the group of people who need personal hygiene care the most are from the underprivileged group, such as the hardcore poor, those living in slum areas and those in rural areas, who cannot afford, or do not have access to proper hygiene care products. It is something that is so common and readily available to many of us that we very often take for granted. However, for the underprivileged group, having access to good hygiene care products becomes a luxury rather than the necessity it should be. At the very least, everybody deserves access to good, proper, personal hygiene.

With this in mind, it is my pleasure today to announce that through the “Malaysia, Jom Lebih Sihat!” campaign, Lifebuoy, will donate one soap bar to underprivileged Malaysian families nationwide with every purchase of Lifebuoy product during the campaign period. By the end of the campaign period, Lifebuoy targets to accumulate one million soap bars that will be distributed to the underprivileged Malaysians. We will be displaying a giant soap structure at the closing ceremony of the campaign in June. Consisting of 1 million soap bars, the structure is aimed at showcasing to the public a tangible representation of their support to the underprivileged community.

In this regard, Lifebuoy is very grateful to have on-board the Yellow House Society, HOPE Worldwide and Community Support Network as part of the group of social welfare organisations who will support us in the nationwide distribution of soap bars to the underprivileged groups. This partnership, I’m sure will not only help make this campaign a reality, but also a success.

In Malaysia, just like any other country in which Lifebuoy operates, our business leaves a significant impact on the community in which we operate. When we entered the Malaysian market in 2008, we also entered the homes and lives of Malaysians as well. This campaign reflects our continuing commitment towards the society and community, doing our part for 1 Malaysia, in doing what we do best – ensuring that all Malaysians, irrespective of creed, race, or socio-economic status, are happy and healthy at times of increased health risks.

We also believe that this campaign will provide an opportunity for Malaysian consumers to help others live a healthier life as they enjoy the goodness of the New Advanced Lifebuoy. Nevertheless, Lifebuoy is honoured and proud to have three Malaysian celebrities to give their sincere support as the ambassadors to this campaign. I personally believe that they as prominent figures in the society want to play their part to encourage Malaysian consumers to give their support in this campaign and to make this campaign a success.

Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of Lifebuoy, I once again would like to thank every one of you for your presence here today, that would really make a difference in creating a healthier and happier Malaysia. Together, let us as 1 Malaysia, do our part to make this campaign a success.

Thank you.