Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Partners With Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia To Support Orang Asli Communities

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has joined hands with the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY) in the KampungKu Project initiative. This collaboration is meant to support the Orang Asli community through sustainable solutions. Through this partnership, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had allocated RM 10,000 towards installing solar lighting for 20 families from the Bateq tribe residing in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi, Merapoh, Pahang. This concerted effort not only underscores the brand’s commitment to sustainability and community support but also improves the lives of these families through clean energy, and foster a sustainable future while respecting traditional ways of life.

As part of the Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good programme, Mercedes-Benz employees delivered and installed 20 SunKing Pro Solar Lights, along with essential items such as towels, blankets, clothes, and toys that were generously donated by the employees. 

“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,” said Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

She further emphasised, “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.” 

Given the challenging living conditions of the community, Mercedes-Benz employees also went above and beyond by donating carefully selected food items tailored to the specific needs of the community. These contributions were personally delivered by the employees, who traveled in a fleet of Mercedes-Benz SUVs for 3 hours to reach the village in Merapoh, Pahang.

Andrew Sebastian, CEO & founder of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), expressed his gratitude, stating, “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.” 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s 2023 Corporate Citizenship strategy focuses on 3 core themes i.e. environmental sustainability, education, and community relief. These pillars of corporate responsibility define the framework for directing resources towards creating a significant and enduring impact on society.

The Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good programme was launched as a pioneering initiative, positioning the company’s employees at the forefront of its charitable efforts. In 2023, the programme commenced with a contribution of RM100,000, which was allocated to 7 non-profit organisations under the “Grants for Good” programme. These included the Food Aid Foundation, Zoo Negara Malaysia, the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Hospis Malaysia, among others. This innovative approach allows employees to actively participate by nominating and voting for their preferred non-profits, effectively putting them in control of the donation selection process.

Ecotourism & Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY) is a national non-governmental organisation focused on sustainable ecotourism as the way forward to ensure that conservation values are upheld at all key natural heritage sites in Malaysia. ECOMY works towards uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable tourism, promoting greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture.

For more information on how to get involved, visit ECOMY’s donation page.