Beverage Giant Leads the Way in Relief Efforts with Largest Contribution, Reflecting a Legacy of Leadership, Compassion, and Action
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 February 2025 -In response to the devastating floods displacing communities across Malaysia, Etika Sdn. Bhd., a leading beverage company, has stepped forward as the largest contributor of in-kind donations to Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia during this flood season and throughout 2024. The company has provided more than RM250,000 worth of essential products, including dairy-based beverages (Goodday Milk), bottled water (Bleu Mineral Water), and energy drinks (WONDA Coffee)—amounting to over 7,000 cartons or nearly 130,000 bottles and cans.
These contributions support both flood victims and the dedicated volunteers working on the ground, including frontline personnel from APM, BOMBA, PDRM, RELA, and local NGOs who have been tirelessly involved in rescue and relief efforts. Additionally, Etika’s support ensures that responders and affected communities stay hydrated and energised, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful disaster relief initiatives throughout 2024.
This effort aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent call for private sector organisations to unite to support flood relief efforts. By mobilising essential supplies and manpower, Etika reinforces its role as a reliable partner, committed to uplifting Malaysian communities and serving as a steadfast pillar of support for the rakyat. Moreover, in collaboration with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM), Etika has been a key contributor to this flood relief mission and remains an essential partner in aiding communities in need.
Acknowledging Etika’s contribution, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said, ‘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 swift response to this national crisis exemplifies the spirit of corporate Malaysia at its best.”
Etika’s actions exemplify its dedication to working alongside the government and NGOs to alleviate the burden on flood-affected communities and help them rebuild their lives, setting an inspiring standard for others to follow.
“In this moment of adversity, we believe that every small effort counts,” said Mr. Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, Chief Executive Officer of Etika Sdn. Bhd. for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. “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.”
Etika extends its commitment to helping lives beyond being the largest contributor in partnership with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia, by mobilising a dedicated team of volunteers actively distributing relief supplies to ensure aid reaches affected areas swiftly and effectively. This hands-on effort underscores Etika’s steadfast dedication to making a meaningful difference in times of crisis.
Mr Santharuban continues, “Supporting the communities we serve has and will always be at the heart of Etika’s values and everything we do here. True impact comes from empathy and collective action, especially when the floods have led to unprecedented upheaval and turned the lives of many Malaysians upside down. Whether responding to crises or providing sustained support, Etika is dedicated to helping communities rebuild with care and lasting support.
Continuing a Legacy
Building on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) legacy, Etika has consistently partnered with NGOs and other organizations to maximize its impact on communities in need.
Since 2019, Etika has collaborated with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM), becoming one of its largest contributors during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing essential support during its critical time. This partnership has grown stronger over the years, enabling both organizations to tackle pressing challenges, including the ongoing flood relief efforts that continue to bring hope and aid to affected communities.
“Our partnerships with NGOs like Yayasan Foodbank Malaysia and other local organisations enable us to create a meaningful and sustainable impact on the communities we serve,” shared Mr. Santharuban. “Utilising our extensive distribution network and strong nationwide presence, we were able to provide effective support to those impacted by this devastation and mobilise our resources to help communities rebuild and recover.”
With more than RM250,000.00 worth of products donated for this round, Etika has built a strong collaboration with Yayasan Foodbank Malaysia and other organisations since 2021, contributing over 12,000 cartons of essential beverage products with an estimated worth of RM430,000.00 to date. These initiatives have bolstered flood preparedness and provided vital aid to vulnerable communities, reinforcing community resilience.
Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia’s Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressed her sincere appreciation to Mr. Santharuban and his team, 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..”
Etika’s flood relief initiative exemplifies its steadfast commitment to making a meaningful difference in Malaysian society. Over the years, the company has spearheaded impactful programmes that reflect its dedication to addressing community needs:
- The ATLAS Hygiene Aid Initiative: Utilising their innovative vending machine solutions, and working alongside the Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary Constituency Office, they delivered free sanitary products to 200+ underprivileged women and girls in Bandar Tun Razak, addressing period poverty and empowering communities.”
- The RM1 Thirst Quencher Campaign: In partnership with the Minister of Economy under the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) program, Etika provided RM1 beverages through over 3,000 vending machines nationwide, featuring healthier options such as Pepsi Black, bottled mineral water, and Revive Isotonic at RM1 only. This initiative ensured accessible, nutritious refreshments while fostering inclusivity and easing economic burdens for lower-income earners.
- Partnership with Kechara Food Bank (a division of Kechara Soup Kitchen Society): The
company collaborated with Kechara to address food insecurity by providing refreshments and water, including their recent contributions of 1,175.04 kg of beverages in October 2024 and 100 cartons of Lipton Ice Tea in June 2024 to support underprivileged communities. These initiatives have created a significant impact, benefiting both individuals in need and the wider marginalized community.
This united approach highlights Etika’s dedication to forging strong partnerships that yield lasting change. Each contribution reflects the company’s core values of hope, resilience, and unity in adversity.
As a trusted name in quality and innovation, Etika continues to set the benchmark for corporate responsibility in Malaysia, fostering meaningful connections with the communities it serves.
For more information about Etika Malaysia and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit https://www.etikaholdings.com.
