Perodua continues its support to public hospitals with the recent by contribution of medical diagnostic equipment to the Sarawak General Hospital. The initiative is to support the government’s mission in improving the quality of health services in the country and, at the same time, thank the dedicated frontliners.
The Malaysian carmaker contributed seven Vital Sign Monitors (for monitoring body temperature, pulse and respiration rate as well as blood pressure) worth a total of RM84,450. At the same time, hampers were presented to patients and staff in the paediatric ward of the hospital.
The handover ceremony was attended by Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad; Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Chief Operating Officer, JH Rozman Jaafar; Sarawak General Hospital Director, Dr. Ngian Hie Ung; and Deputy Director (Medical), Dr. Norinawaty Abg. Daud.
“We thank the staff of the Sarawak General Hospital for their service to the community, we hope our contribution will further benefit the people of Kuching and Sarawak,” Dato’ Zainal said.
“As part of our Corporate Responsibility initiative, we are always looking for opportunities to provide the best assistance to strengthen the country’s health system. As such, we are in constant communication with Ministry of Health and other relevant parties to continue our initiatives,” he added.
“This is one of our ways to thank the government and Malaysian, especially our customers who have given us their trust and support over the years,” he said.
To date, Perodua has donated medical and health equipment to public hospitals including Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Selayang, Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas, Hospital Shah Alam, Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Hospital Ampang, Hospital Putrajaya and several community clinics within Hulu Selangor.
Last year, Perodua donated RM80,000 of medical supplies to Hospital Sg. Buloh which was a key medical facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Perodua was quick to use its resources in the war against the coronavirus. Besides health facilities, the carmaker also provided face shields to schools for the use of academic and support staff. The face shields were made by an associate of Perodua.
To know more about Perodua’s other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, visit www.perodua.com.my.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a long history of being a good corporate citizen, having contributed in various ways to different communities. The latest initiative is the donation of high-power solar systems to the Orang Asli community. This will provide electricity to them which can improve the quality of their lives.
The solar systems, which will be used at the Orang Asli’s Rumah Adat (shared community space), were donated through Global Peace Foundation, a non-profit non-government organization with a mission to build resilient and cohesive Orang Asli communities.
Lack of access to grid electricity in Orang Asli’s houses and community spaces brings health risks, expensive energy expenses, and environmental impact. To have light after dark, bonfires are frequently created by burning dried palm fruits but these generate a lot of smoke that causes cough and watery eyes among the villagers, and is unhealthy for children especially.
In addition, houses and community spaces are built from resources in the forest such as bamboo wood and additional items such as zinc and PVC. Some of these materials are flammable, making it dangerous to use fire as the source of light.
Some Orang Asli families also rely on disposable energy such as petrol to run generators and batteries to power more than just lights. The petrol, apart from being added cost, can also be hazardous to store.
Children would also have difficulty studying at night with no light or poor light, and activities are limited. By having more and better lighting, there can be more productive hours in the evening for house chores. The electricity from the solar systems can also be used for freezers and for charging mobilephones and other electrical equipment.
“As part of Malaysian society, we want to see Malaysians even the indigenous community live a better life. With high-power solar systems, we will be providing the Orang Asli community access to affordable and renewable energy that enhances productivity- allowing community projects to continue even after dark, minimizing health and environmental impact from non-renewable energy, lessen environmental pollution, and lastly reducing energy expenditure from buying expensive energy sources that are not sustainable,” said Arba Rahman, Senior Vice-President of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
“This effort is together with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation global CSR program ‘STEP to the future’ which focuses on four main themes, standing for the first letters of Society, Traffic safety, Environment, and People. At MMM, we are focused to benefit the society through emphasis on the Environment and People, to create a better society where people can hope for a better future,” he added.
While our healthcare services can be considered pretty good and the rakyat are able to obtain good medical treatment at government hospitals and clinics, the cost is also high for the government. Therefore, the private sector too can play a role in helping in this area and as part of its continuing support given to key public institutions nationwide, it recently contributed medical equipment and gifts worth a total of RM87,967 to the Shah Alam General Hospital in Selangor.
The ongoing initiative is aimed at supporting the efforts by Malaysia’s healthcare frontliners to increase the health service quality nationwide. Perodua donated a free-standing warmer, 3 photolights, a high-tech jellypad, 7 stethoscope neonates, a LSCS set used during caesarean, and 10 surgical scissors to the hospital’s paediatric ward.
“We aspire to be a responsible corporate citizen and we will assist where we can in ensuring consistent and continuous access to medical supplies for hospitals and our entire health care system,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, at the presentation ceremony.
Helping add value to healthcare system
Adding that Perodua recognises the importance of private-public partnership in enhancing the quality of health service in the country, Dato’ Zainal said the company will continue to communicate with key public institutions and the Ministry of Health to see where it can add value in the country’s healthcare system.
Besides key public institutions, Perodua has also provided thousands of face-shields to schools and traders at markets to help them have better protection during the pandemic.
To date, Perodua has contributed medical supplies to public hospitals including Sungai Buloh Hospital, Selayang Hospital, and Sabah Women and Children Hospital in Likas. Additionally, the company has supplied thousands of face-shields (made by one of its subsidiary companies) to schools, traders at markets and government agencies.
Toyota, which last year reclaimed its position as the No. 1 non-national brand after 6 years, started 2022 on a strong note with a total sales volume of 7,528 units (including Lexus models). This was a 96% increase compared to the 3.845 units that were reported in the same month last year.
The Vios remained as UMW Toyota Motor’s bestselling model, accounting for 28% of the total sales volume, while the Hilux accounted for 38% of sales and has been the country’s bestselling pick-up truck for 15 years.
Strong sales helped by promotions
The strong sales numbers have been helped by ongoing promotions such as the ‘Stay Ahead’ campaign which gives buyers savings up to RM4,500. The promotion offers the Vios at monthly instalments from RM540 with 100% sales tax savings of RM2,216. For the sportier Yaris hatchback, customers can own one with H-P loans that have instalments from RM493, plus additional RM2,192 in sales tax savings.
The bestselling Toyota models in Malaysia are the Vios (above) and Hilux (below), with the latter being the bestselling truck in the country for 15 years.
“We are thankful for the government’s decision to extend the Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption incentives for passenger vehicles until June 30, 2022. This has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years. We also encourage Toyota fans to take advantage of the extended tax exemption to purchase their dream car, coupled with the value-for-money deals UMW Toyota Motor is offering such as the ongoing ‘Stay Ahead’ sales campaign to enjoy the best savings during this period,” said Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Locally-assembled Toyota hybrid electric vehicles
In support of Toyota’s global agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as similar objectives by the Malaysian government, UMW Toyota Motor will assemble models with hybrid electric vehicle technology. This has started with the Corolla Cross Hybrid which was launched last month which is seeing growing demand
According to Mr. Ravindran, since it was made available for booking in October last year, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has met with positive response, accounting for more than 40% of the total sales of the Corolla Cross crossover SUV. “This shows that Malaysians are in support of environmental sustainability and are taking their first step towards going green through hybrid electric vehicles. We urge our customers to place their bookings early in order to avoid missing out on the SST exemption for better savings,” he added.
While the Corolla Cross Hybrid (above), priced from RM136,550 (without insurance), has the typical high quality and durability that has made the Toyota brand so popular worldwide, UMW Toyota Motor also offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. More importantly, for the owner’s peace of mind, the hybrid battery pack has a separate which covers replacement of the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit if defective during the first 8 years of ownership (with no limit on mileage). Customers can also extend this warranty by 2 years at the time of purchase.
Being a good Corporate Citizen
In addition to the positive sales results, January also saw the company doing its part at a good corporate citizen to help Malaysians affected by the floods. Partnered with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor through its ‘Back On Your Feet’ programme, the company contributed RM10,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui for the school’s repairs of its flood-damaged premises. The company also donated essential home appliances to the affected community in Sungai Lui such as rice cookers, kettles and gas stoves.
Employees of UMW Toyota Motor went to flooded areas to assist in clean-up work and also brought essential items donated by the company.
“UMW Toyota Motor endeavours to propel society forward by empowering people beyond the road. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to partner with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to give back to the community we operate in and help them get back on their feet during these trying times,” Mr. Ravindran said.
Besides initiating a Toyota Flood Assist Program as an immediate response to help flood victims in December, a flood ‘Command Centre’ was also established at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor, as part of its broadened initiatives. This will also function as a soup kitchen and relief distribution centre for victims in the event of a similar phenomenon in the future. Additionally, up to 100 parking spaces in the compound will be allocated in such situations for flood victims to park their vehicles safely.
For more information on Toyota products and services in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.
Remember the Nissan Almera Turbo Fuel Efficiency Charity Drive which Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) ran last year? It was a campaign that invited owners of the latest Nissan Almera Turbo to submit their very best fuel consumption achieved with the car. ETCM would then convert the total number of kilometres of all the submissions into money for charity at the rate of RM1 per kilometre.
Almera Turbo owners throughout the country participated, trying their best to get the lowest consumption (which was shown on the instrument panel’s computerized display) and when the entries were added up, the total distance was 12,841 kms. This meant that RM12,841 would be provided by ETCM which would be donated to few charitable organizations.
The company, among the oldest Malaysian car companies, decided that the money should go towards helping vulnerable communities affected by the recent devastating floods. Tens of thousands of Malaysians suffered losses in various degrees and had their livelihoods and well-being impacted.
The campaign’s accumulated amount of RM12,841 would be used for post-flood recovery efforts, including buying of necessities, food, personal hygiene items as well as cleaning and repairing housing areas damaged by severe flooding.
RM20,000 donated
A total of RM20,000 was donated to help alleviate the burden of the flood victims. Of the proceeds, RM10,000 was channelled to Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah while Rumah SVP Klang and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Klang Utama Caring Home each received RM5,000.
Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah in Puchong is a charitable children’s home which houses orphans and children of low-income families. The home currently houses 65 boys and girls aged between 3 – 16 years old.
Ruman SVP Klang houses abandoned, underprivileged and children of single parents. It cares for 11 boys under the age of 12 years old. Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Klang Utama Caring Home houses 43 orphans with ages up to 24 years old.
“The floods almost submerged our house completely. It happened so quickly and we could hardly save anything. Everything was destroyed in a split second. Children’s safety is always our top priority and I am grateful that the children are all safe. On behalf of the children, we are so thankful for the heart-warming support given by ETCM during these difficult times; it definitely will ease our daily burdens,” said Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah’s caretaker Puan Saadiah.
“There are so many heart-breaking stories on the struggle that Malaysians are going through. We are deeply saddened to see floodwaters submerge houses and cars and hope our gestures will help to relieve the burden of those affected during this difficult time,” said Daniel Ho, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad.
Nissan Flood Relief Assistance programme
ETCM, together with Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd., also have the Nissan Flood Relief Assistance programme that offers 20% discount on parts and labour charges, a special upholstery restoration prices and an Easy Payment Plan up to 12 months on total bill. This is to help alleviate the financial burden for Nissan owners whose vehicles were damaged by the floods.
As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, ETCM has also loaned 6 vehicles to NGOs and MITI. 5 of them are the Navara 4WD, while the remaining one is a Serena MPV. The vehicles will be used to support the flood relief efforts and the vaccination programme.
The recent flooding has had a severe impact on thousands of lives in Malaysia, and sadly, lives have been lost too. Properties have been heavily damaged and thousands of vehicles will require extensive repairs and replacement of parts, not to mention a thorough cleaning.
Many carmakers were quick to come forward and offer various forms of assistance to their customers so as to help ease the financial burden. As the scale of the damage becomes more apparent, it is clear that more help is needed and Proton has announced an enhanced assistance package for its customers whose cars were damaged in the floods.
The enhanced package now offers a 50% discount on selected replacement parts for all models, except for the X50 and X70. Towing services and cleaning of vehicles (exterior and engine bay) will also be done at no charge at authorised Proton 3S/4S service centres.
“Proton is deeply sympathetic to the plight of the victims of the recent floods as many of them consist of B40 households. To date, our service centres have received approximately 600 cars and we estimate there to be many more that will arrive in the coming days and weeks. Therefore, we have enhanced our assistance package in the hope that it will provide some financial relief to these families,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
For owners of the X50 and X70 SUVs, the discount for selected parts has been increased to 25% from the 20% that was previously announced. The discount for labour charges has also been boosted to 25%, which is applicable to all models (terms and conditions apply).
Additionally, customers insured under the Proton Insurance Programme (PIP) can also claim RM1,000 in flood relief benefits.
“Aside from the assistance package, the company is also negotiating with the banks to allow customers to pay for their repairs via instalment using their credit cards. This will further assist their cashflow as they will neither be charged interest fees nor have to come up with a lump sum payment,” added Encik Roslan.
Click here to locate the nearest authorised Proton Service Centre or call the Customer Care hotline at 1800-888-398.
Following up on its immediate response to the floods in Selangor recently, UMW Toyota Motor is now going further with its flood relief initiatives to provide more meaningful assistance. This is being done through dispatching staff volunteers, using its Shah Alam facility as a flood ‘Command Centre’, and donating basic household necessities to victims.
In fact, even on December 24, UMW Toyota Motor staff started going to affected areas, many of which are in the areas surrounding its head office complex and assembly plants. The volunteers helped with the cleaning of homes, among other activities.
Supported by Raja Muda of Selangor Foundation
This initiative was also supported by the Raja Muda of Selangor Foundation in providing guidance and support on the mechanics to ensure smooth management of the situation. The company said that its volunteers will continue this assistance for as long as it is needed, where and when possible.
Flood ‘Command Centre’ for future use too
The flood ‘Command Centre’ established at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters will also function as a soup kitchen and relief distribution centre for victims in the event of a similar phenomenon in the future. Additionally, up to 100 parking spaces in the compound will be allocated in such situations for flood victims to park their vehicles safely. This will be on a first come-first served basis for any make of vehicle, and the owners will only have to sign an indemnity form.
“UMW Toyota Motor stands in solidarity with the community. Malaysians have been going through an extremely challenging period due to the flood and we want to do what we can to provide some relief. We express our sincerest sympathies to all the victims and families affected and we hope that our initiatives will be of some help,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K.
“We were also inspired and moved by the compassion of the many Malaysians who have volunteered to help out their fellow countrymen, including our group of staff volunteers. We realised that response and relief efforts were slow to take place. Hence, we decided that even for future, we will immediately convert our Shah Alam facility into a flood ‘Command Centre’ to provide kind-hearted Malaysians a safe place to deliver and sort out the relief items before distributing to the surrounding temporary evacuation centres,” he added.
Besides the clean-up exercises, UMW Toyota Motor has also distributed basic household necessities including stoves, fans and kettles to affected households in hopes to alleviate some of their burden.
“We would like to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt gratitude towards our suppliers, namely the Toyota Suppliers Club Malaysia, DENSO Malaysia, Toyota Tsusho and Sime Kansai for stepping up and providing financial support to our endeavours. Their contributions were used to buy household appliances and other necessities to be given as aid to the flood victims,” Mr. Ravindran said.
In addition to giving aid to the local communities, UMW Toyota Motor is also providing assistance to its own workforce affected by the flood. These include repairs for personal vehicles owned by employees, financial aid as well as distribution of basic household necessities.
Although the Mitsubishi Triton truck, XPANDER MPV and Outlander SUV have more ground clearance and can cross flooded stretches of road without much problem, the recent floods in many parts of the country have been extremely severe. In many areas, the water level has been so high that vehicles have been almost fully submerged. There’s no way that any vehicle can escape from damage in such an extreme condition and for owners, there will be an expensive repair bill.
To help ease this unexpected expense (especially at a time when many are facing financial challenges), Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a flood relief program for Mitsubishi owners in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Pahang who have suffered vehicle damage due to the floods.
Discounts on parts and labour
Under the program, Mitsubishi vehicle owners (who purchased their vehicles from authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealers) will be given a 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine parts and a 50% discount on labour costs for all repair work done on flood-damaged vehicles at authorised Mitsubishi Motors service centres. This offer available until January 20, 2022.
Free or subsidised towing services
In addition, MMM will also support Mitsubishi owners by offering free towing services. All the owners need to do is to contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166 to request this service which will bring their vehicle to the nearest authorised Mitsubishi Motors service centre. In the event that they do not use MA24 and do not have insurance coverage for towing there vehicle to the nearest authorised service centre, they can still apply for rebates worth up to RM300. However, they are required to lodge a police report concerning the vehicle being caught n a flood.
“Our thoughts are with Malaysians impacted by the aftermath of the flash floods tragedy. All of our service staff and authorized dealers are ready to assist our Mitsubishi owners with their affected vehicles. We hope that this flood relief program will help ease the burden of our customers going through this difficult time,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
Although Mitsubishi vehicles have high ground clearance which enables them to cross flooded roads and rough terrain, the recent floods were severe and many vehicles were damaged by water reaching above the window level.
For further information on the flood relief program, call MMM’s Customer Careline at 1-800-18-8161. To locate an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealership, click here: www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/service-locator/ .
Although many companies have focussed their CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts on providing help to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many sections of society which need help, especially the under-privileged urban poor.
Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offered such help in the form of a Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 truck to the Dignity Farm School in Bentong, Pahang which is a one-stop holistic and community learning centre.
It will be used for the farm’s daily operations, and to provide transport for the Orang Asli to schools where they are given transformative youth education programs grounded in community building, natural agriculture, and skills development.
Helping underprivileged and indigenous community
The Triton was handed over earlier this month by MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi. Explaining the decision to help the Dignity Farm School, Mr. Shinnishi said: “In line with the Malaysian government’s efforts to reopen schools soon with tightened and updated standard operating procedures to adhere to, we at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia feel it is a strategic time post-lockdown to relook into how we can do more for the underprivileged and indigenous community in terms of education and health.”
“We are happy to work with the Dignity Farm School a place where skills and knowledge are connected and taught from a wellspring of sources and experiences, combining practical skills and theory in a farm setting. This, in return, will also prepare the underprivileged children in the future to enter an agricultural and tourism workforce requiring both innovation and manpower,” he said.
“The school is located in a remote area of Bentong where a 4×4 like the Triton is required. It has passed many endurance tests and we hope that it will assist the Dignity Farm School well in many of their adventures to come, no matter what the terrain,” added Mr. Shinnishi.
Activities at the Dignity Farm School.
Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision
MMM’s initiative supports the Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision for 2021 which is ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’. Its mission is to implement CSR activities that provide aid to support underprivileged children, and to collaborate with NGOs in promoting a sustainable economy, society, and environment.
As part of the company’s various and ongoing COVID-19 aid efforts, MMM also donated a Box of Hope containing food necessities and a bag of rice to the B40 groups in Malaysia. This effort will benefit more than 150 families across the nation.
To know more about the Triton and other Mitsubishi models available in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
BMW Group Malaysia has long been pro-active in providing assistance and support to local organisations which helps the underprivileged and marginalised communities. It has also initiated a subsidy programme to make travel in cars safer for small children by helping their parents acquire childseats.
Providing food relief
The latest initiative by its subsidiary, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, is to raise funds in support of the Refuge for the Refugees and Empire Project. Both are local organisations actively providing food relief in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives are also supported by BMW Group Malaysia in terms of logistics and delivery needs by providing vehicles.
“In these challenging times, it is imperative that we come together to lend a helping hand wherever we can. Although we are looking at a gradual shift into the next phase of the National Recovery Plan, we want to continue providing support to these exceptional non-profit organisations who work hard to ensure that underprivileged families and individuals in the country do not go hungry,” said Danielle Maassen, Chief of Sales & Marketing of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
RM100 contribution for each BMW/MINI funded
The initiative will see contributions of RM100, made on behalf of BMW and MINI customers, for every funded contract of the following models: the BMW 330e, 530e, 740Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, and the MINI Cooper SE as well as the SE Countryman. All funded contracts from September 1 to December 31, 2021 for the models listed are eligible for this initiative.
These contributions will support the Refuge for the Refugees food aid programme that serves upwards of 700 families in the B40, migrant and refugee communities on a weekly basis, as well as the various food and essential relief efforts conducted by Empire Project throughout the pandemic that serves marginalised Malaysians across the country.
