KitKat® Partners with EPIC Homes to Uplift the Orang Asli Communities

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More than RM170,000 in aid of the Orang Asli communities in Selangor

Kuala Lumpur, March 21, 2024 - Nestlé KitKat® is taking a step further this Ramadan to spread joy and make a positive impact on local communities through its KitKat® Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama campaign. In collaboration with EPIC Homes, KitKat® is committed to uplifting the Orang Asli households by allocating funds totalling RM172,000 to address their urgent needs, particularly those affected by overcrowding of multiple families within a single home. This support encompasses vital areas such as home repairs, community upskilling and provision of essential resources.

During a recent visit to Kampung Orang Asli Songkok, Dato' Adnan Pawanteh, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, expressed delight at the partnership with EPIC Homes, stating, “We are pleased to extend the joy of KitKat® through meaningful community outreach initiatives, particularly in our collaboration with EPIC Homes for the coming Raya celebration. This initiative not only fosters social engagement, but also leaves a purposeful impact on the lives of those in need. Our Nestlé Cares volunteers are equally enthusiastic about contributing to this cause, demonstrating our collective commitment towards making a positive difference in the community.”

KitKat®’s contribution to EPIC Homes encompasses support for the repair of homes in Kampung Orang Asli Songkok and Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Kelubi, Selangor such as foundation replacement, many of which are in dire condition, with some experiencing leaking roofs, while others are facing with structural issues. These challenges persist due to various limitations including financial constraints and lack of resources. In addition to financial aid, KitKat® is also providing home repair tools and equipping the Orang Asli communities with in-home restoration skills, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

Over 300 ECOPEAL roofing tiles and panel boards, funded by The CAREton Project through Nestlé Malaysia and Tetra Pak, were utilised in support of the repairs, which include floor restoration, partial wall reconstruction and roof repairs. These eco-friendly materials are used in various projects, including home construction for the Orang Asli community, NGOs, and other community initiatives. 

John-Son Oei, the Co-Founder & CEO of EPIC Homes, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, "At EPIC Homes, we strive to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities by fostering meaningful connections between the two. In mobilising volunteers to build homes together with the Orang Asli communities in need, collaborative relationships are built. These relationships play a crucial role in kickstarting long-term transformation for communities, and such collaborations open up opportunities for precise support. This is the second time EPIC Homes is working with Nestlé and KitKat® - and I am sincerely thankful for the purposeful project, as we aspire to create a rich tapestry of positive change that brings comfort and hope to those enduring adversity. EPIC Homes welcomes and looks forward to more collaborations like these in future.”

In addition to the home repair materials above, 150 units of Nestlé Cares hampers, valued at RM53,000, were distributed to the Orang Asli families within the community. Each carefully curated package contains essential food items and Nestlé products such as KitKat®, MILO®, MAGGI®, NESCAFÉ, NESTUM, EVERYDAY® and more, reinforcing the company’s commitment to nourishing individuals and families in need.

Embracing the spirit of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, KitKat® has launched the Menang Break Raya contest, running from 7 March to 2 May 2024. This contest offers participants the chance to win prizes while creating lasting moments with loved ones. Two winners will have the privilege of selecting a destination close to their hearts from a variety of locations, including Japan, South Korea, Turkey, or the opportunity to perform Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, alongside their beloved family or cherished friends.

For more information, please visit https://www.nestle.com.my/brands/confectionery, FB at https://www.facebook.com/KitKatMalaysia and IG at www.instagram.com/KitKatMalaysia.

About Nestlé KitKat®
Created in 1935, KitKat®was first known as Rowntree Chocolate Crisp. Two years later, the name has changed to KitKat®. In 1988, KitKat® became part of Nestlé range of confectionery products. It grew to be the no. 1 chocolate brand in Malaysia, enjoyed by young and old as a light snack. Today, it is exported to more than 14 countries globally. KitKat® is 100% Halal and is produced locally at Nestlé’s Halal-certified facility in Chembong, Negeri Sembilan.

“Have a break, have a KitKat®” has become a popular phrase, aptly describing the enjoyment of the chocolate-coated wafers whenever one needs to take a break amidst a busy and stressful moment.

Nestlé’s KitKat®is the first global confectionary brand to be made from 100% sustainable cocoa sourced under the Nestlé’s Cocoa Plan. The brand has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2025. KitKat® aims to reduce the emissions generated through the sourcing of its ingredients, the manufacturing of the product and its distribution by more than 50% as part of its plan.

About Nestlé Malaysia
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturer. Headquartered in Switzerland, Nestlé is present in more than 180 countries around the world, and our over 270,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Our performance is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nourishing Malaysians since 1912, Nestlé has earned the trust of our consumers through our quality brands and products. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we operate, whilst maintaining our Halal excellence and integrity.

This is in line with our promise of delivering GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE to all. To learn more about how we have been nourishing Malaysians for over a century, do visit www.nestle.com.my or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Nestle.Malaysia.

For more information, please contact: 

Shaheen Zaffar
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad
Tel: (+603) 7965 6456
E-mail: [email protected] 

Nurul Atiqah Mustapa
Perspective Strategies
Tel: (+603) 7491 3138
E-mail: [email protected]