Partnership News Highlight

YAYASAN SIME DARBY CONTRIBUTES RM2.5 MILLION FOR THE OPERATIONAL SUPPORT OF ZOO NEGARA

SELANGOR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2021 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has committed RM2.5 million in a one-year sponsorship to support the Malaysian Zoological Society (MZS). The sponsorship kicked off in September 2021 and provides full range care support for 83 Malaysian mammals and birds, comprising of 5 local mammals and 2 local bird species, which are classified as endangered wildlife species under the IUCN Red List. These animals are the Asian Elephants (2), Malayan Tigers (6), Orangutans (3), White – Handed Gibbons (8), Malayan Gaur (3), Hornbill (13) and Milky Stork (48). YSD’s funding will be disbursed in stages and specifically covers the costs for food, medical and enclosure maintenance as well as the animal keepers’ salaries.

As the national zoo’s income is highly dependent on ticket sales, MZS has been facing major loss of income due to its inevitable closure to public following the enforcement of the Movement Control Orders (MCO) throughout 2020 and 2021. YSD’s funding will help to alleviate the financial burden faced by the zoo during this challenging period and pave the way for MZS to reach out to other corporations and the public to come forward with similar support which will help to keep the zoo’s operations afloat.

YSD will be collaborating with MZS to organise publicity initiatives during the sponsorship to increase public awareness and educate them on wildlife, particularly focusing on children to instil and nurture an appreciation towards the uniqueness of the endangered wildlife species in our landscape. More importantly, YSD hopes that this support will raise awareness on the need for increased wildlife conservation efforts among the younger generation.

YSD’s Chairman, Y.A.M Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar said: “YSD feels that our commitment of RM2.5 million for a one-year funding is of utmost importance to defray the operational costs of the Malaysian Zoological Society for the upkeep of the 7 identified species amongst its vast population of animals and their habitat. We are very concerned about the welfare of the animals due to the effect of the prolonged MCO, with no other major income stream to sustain the zoo’s operations. I take this opportunity to urge other corporations to consider joining us in this noble cause of supporting Zoo Negara in their untiring efforts to sustain the operations of our national zoo which has been an important icon and a major tourist attraction in Malaysia for the past 60 years, which also serves to educate the children of Malaysia about the importance of conserving animal species in the wild.”

“Zoo Negara Malaysia is currently facing one of its most challenging times due to the COVID-19 imposed lock down by the government. However, we are so glad and greatly appreciative of the wonderful efforts shown by Yayasan Sime Darby in wanting to assist us in sustaining the daily operational costs of our animals. On behalf of our Management and operational team, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Yayasan Sime Darby for this strong unwavering support and generous contribution.” said YBhg. Dato’ Sr. Zaharin Bin Md. Arif.

It is hoped that other corporates, the general public and other institutions will come forward with their respective support to ensure the sustainability of the zoo’s operations while raising awareness towards conservation of animals in the wild.

GETHA ROLL OUT CSR INITIATIVE WITH ZOO NEGARA

The year 2019 marked an important milestone for Getha, the home-grown natural latex bedding company as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary with various social initiatives including a campaign with Zoo Negara involving the adoption of five orangutans – four Bornean and one Sumatran orangutans.

According to World Wildlife, orangutans are faced with the threat of extinction with mere 1,500 individuals remaining. To support the maintenance of the orangutans named Gunta, Kathy, Manja, Punky and Choki, Getha committed to a sponsorship of RM50,000 to Malaysia’s Zoo Negara. The cheque presentation took place on the 6th August 2019, presented by Ms. Amelia Tan, Getha Director of Business Development to Ms. Linda Salim, Zoo Negara Director of Public Relations, Marketing, Customer Service and Education.

The shaggy reddish fur apes are between the ages of 10 to 29 years old and reside in an open-space enclosure of the zoo. The orangutans enjoy a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and even bread and eggs.

Amelia shared that the adoption program is Getha’s first CSR initiative with wildlife.

“Working together with Zoo Negara is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn about our ecological society. It was truly an eye-opening experience to get a closer look into the diet, care and habits of these animals as well as the importance of conservation and creating a sustainable ecosystem for future generations. This program is very significant to us as it motivates us to continue promoting a green lifestyle,” she added.

As part of the meaningful initiative, the company also organized a family day with more than 50 participants visiting to the zoo. It was a fun-filled day with guests greeted by the Malayan tapir – the only surviving species of tapir in the Old World; the smallest subspecies of tiger - Malayan Tiger, and the free roaming birds in Zoo Negara’s vast, open-concept exhibit.

About Getha

The name “GETHA” is derived from “getah” which means rubber in the Malay language. This name mirrors the brand perfectly, for its signature products made with only 100% natural Malaysian rubber latex.

GETHA is a homegrown Malaysian brand which is also acclaimed internationally that takes pride in producing top-notched products to promote quality sleep. Always committed to serve the needs of their consumers, GETHA will constantly work towards improving one’s lifestyle through its luxurious bedding products. It has received accreditations from ECO Umweltinstitute, Germany, Oeko Tex, Switzerland and the world renowned Malaysia Rubber Board.

Aside from satisfying its consumers’ needs, GETHA believes in serving the needs of nature too. To ensure that the eco-system is properly maintained, GETHA complies with all the regulations set forth by the authorities. GETHA also strives to promote a greener lifestyle among its consumers. Please visit our website https://www.getha.com.my/sleep/ for more information.