Access to clean water isn’t just a convenience, it’s a basic human right. For the Orang Asli community in Kampung Lumut, Lenggeng, that right just became a reality with the completion of a new dam and upgraded water system under the Safe Water, Safe Communities programme by Nestlé Malaysia and Global Peace Foundation Malaysia.
Launched in 2018, the programme has already supported over 1,000 Orang Asli families, providing essentials like water filtration systems, solar pumps, gravity-fed water systems, and WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) training. This year’s project takes things further: a new dam, piping system, water tanks, and infrastructure to ensure a steady supply of safe, clean water for the entire village.
For villagers, the impact is life-changing.
“We relied on an old dam that had fallen into disrepair, making clean water scarce and our families’ health uncertain,” said Ukai bin Badak, Village Head of Kampung Lumut. “Now, with this new system, we finally have a reliable source of clean water. We are truly grateful to Nestlé and Global Peace Foundation for restoring something so vital to us.”
The collaboration also highlights the importance of shared responsibility.
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Nestlé employees volunteered through the Nestlé Sayang Komuniti platform.
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Global Peace Foundation Malaysia brought technical expertise.
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Villagers themselves were involved, ensuring ownership and sustainability.
Dr. Teh Su Thye, CEO of Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, called the dam “a lifeline that supports health, livelihoods, and dignity.” Meanwhile, Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized that the effort reflects Nestlé’s broader water stewardship goals, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
As climate change threatens communities worldwide, this dam stands as a symbol of resilience, and proof that when corporations, NGOs, and communities come together, real change flows.