11 islands in Malaysia received RM205,000 worth of food aid from SC Johnson, a global manufacturer of household consumer and professional products, with the assistance of Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), to ease the burdens and challenges faced by remote island communities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

KUALA LUMPUR (29 July 2021)

RCM works closely with communities on a number of islands across Peninsular and East Malaysia. It is clear that their livelihoods have been severely impacted due to the loss of tourism, for many islanders the main economic activity.

Alvin Chelliah, Senior Programme Manager of RCM and leader of the Cintai Tioman programme, shares,

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen with our own eyes how island communities are struggling - even those who we did not think would be in need of assistance. Many on the islands worked in the tourism industry - resorts, dive centres, restaurants, all catered to tourists. Now, they are left with no income for months.”

The RM205,000 food aid programme is expected to serve 2100 families across all the islands, with a budget of around RM90 per household. As of today, food aid has been successfully distributed to Redang, Tioman, Mantanani, Mabul and Larapan Island. Over the next few weeks, it will be distributed to Perhentian and the Mersing Islands. RCM is working closely with local community leaders to arrange distribution to those most in need.

Food aid distribution in Redang Island (left), Tioman Island (middle), Mantanani Island (right)

Rommy Aziz, a local fisherman on Mantanani Island who sold seafood pre-COVID-19 to tourists visiting Mantanani Island, was one of the recipients of the food aid. Rommy shares,

“I am so thankful for the food aid that has been donated to us by SC Johnson to help with our burdens. Much thanks also go out to Jawatankuasa Pembangunan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JPKK) and Reef Check Malaysia for handling the arrangements.”

General Manager of RCM, Julian Hyde, said:

“Island communities live in a fragile ecosystem – small island surrounded by the sea. We need to keep up the #kitajagakita spirit and work together to put the lives of the disadvantaged first”.

In July, the government announced a food basket programme to support those in need. For more information on how to apply for this program, please visit: https://portalsemakan.com/bakul-prihatin-negara/

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About Reef Check Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) is part of the world-wide Reef Check network. Registered in Malaysia in 2007 as an NGO, RCM's early work was focused on coral reef monitoring and island based educational programs.  Today, RCM monitors over 200 coral reefs annually around the country and is actively involved in reef management and conservation efforts.

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including LYSOFORM®, AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR MUSCLE® and RIDSECT®. The 135-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com