April , 2021 | The Health

When JMG pumped out the water non-stop for 72 hours , there were almost 800,000 litres of water . From this location , we could produce seven million litres of water per month .”

After years of toiling to make his project a success , Simon Wang is finally reaping the rewards – his LWI Blue has earned the title of being the first GEOFood in Asia .

Wang , who is CEO of MC Gemilang ( Natural Water ) Sdn Bhd , said he was happy with LWI Blue water ’ s quality , as all his hard work had paid off .

On Feb 8 , 2021 – just two days before Chinese New Year – MC Gemilang , through its LWI Blue mineral water , was recognised as the first GEOFood in Asia by Norway-based GEOFood Brand .

GEOFood Brand is a label powered by Magma UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway . GEOFood brand defines the “ taste quality ” based on local traditions and users , connected with geological heritage and history .

“ We are the first in Asia . The first GEOFood buatan ( made ) Malaysia . That is why we are so proud ,” said Wang .

“ I am very proud because the quality of the water we have is very good . We even sent a water sample to an international lab to be tested . The content was proven to be similar to the international quality water ."

Sodium ( Na ) 19.7 mg / l

Magnesium ( Mg ) 1.7 mg / l

Calcium ( Ca ) 67.2 mg / l

Total Dissolve Solid ( TDS ) 338 mg / l

MINERALS CONTENT

Silica ( SiO2 ) 84.99 mg / l

Potassium ( K ) 2.6 mg / l

Bicarbonate 222 mg / l pH 7.85 mg / l

we found the water source . So , we went to get permission from the Mineral and Geoscience Department Malaysia ( JMG ). “ When JMG pumped out the water non-stop for 72 hours , there were almost 800,000 litres of water . From this location , we could produce seven million litres of water per month ,” said Wang .

So , in 2019 - three years after he started - Wang got the business going , and production began in September 2020 . He also met EL Law , the Founder and CEO of biotech conglomerate Revongen Corporation . The two decided to team up to further grow the business .

Today , almost 90 per cent of MC Gemilang ’ s employees are from Kedah , with the rest coming from Kuala Lumpur and Penang . The company is targeting four production lines with a total monthly capacity of seven million litres of water . This is equivalent to producing 13.3 million bottled water @ 500ml a month or 554,000 cartons .

On top of that , MC Gemilang is also targeting to develop two additional wells ( making a total of three wells ), which according to JMG , can be supported .

All its four production lines will be producing PET bottles , glass bottles and aluminium cans .

Wang is confident of the business and is planning future investments of RM30 million . It comprises RM6 million for two production lines ( glass bottle & aluminium cans production ), RM6 million for constructing a second factory cum warehouse and RM3 million on river revitalisation and beautification .

The most significant chunk will be taken up by the proposed construction of a RM15 million solar-powered six-storey tower that adopts an all-air ventilation system .

Market penetration

Wang said LWI Blue ' s market segment was different .

“ From the beginning , we thought we will first cover Langkawi and later expand to the mainland .

“ The pandemic slowed us down but have now identified many potential customers . I can see the future for water is very bright because water is a need .

“ We will forge partnerships with certain brands . We will go for biodegradable technology ,” said Wang .

Wang is also planning to make glass bottled water as he noticed most hotels preferred the environment-friendly glass bottled water . Besides that , producing sparkling water and hydrogen water is also on the cards .

He said the MC Gemilang was looking for marketing partners and strategic partners .

“ We are open to any product joint venture to see how we can utilise the water and bring it to the world . Let people benefit from drinking good water ,” he said , adding that LWI Blue was of a higher quality compared other local brands in Malaysia . He said the company ’ s marketing strategy would not limit itself to Malaysia but was eyeing the overseas market . Improving the water quality in other countries was of great concern to him .

Its target is to produce high-quality premier water at a reasonable price . It is also planning to make canned sparkling mineral water .

The prospects for LWI Blue look promising . Langkawi alone attracts four million visitors per annum and thus provides a captive market for MC Gemilang .

With each tourist consuming at least two litres of mineral water per day , that would prove lucrative for MC Gemilang . And this does not include consumption by the local population .

Wang pointed out there was also good potential to sell LWI Blue on the mainland as the quality was good and of international standard . — The Health

LWI Blue .

Many health benefits

The main trait that individualises LWI Blue mineral water from other existing brands is the pH value and Total Dissolved Solids ( TDS ) that the water has . According to the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ), LWI Blue mineral water has attained actual mineral water status as its TDS level is more than 260mg / L .

For 217 million years , its water has been naturally filtered through layers of protected underground rock and granite . When it emerges beneath Gunung Raya in the middle of Langkawi , it contains a high TDS level with a balanced pH of 7.85 , which also gives the LWI Blue mineral water its unique taste .

Hence , it has health benefits for consumers as it is an excellent source of potassium , calcium , and other mineral qualities .

Wang said referring to a published scientific research , the benefits of drinking this new water are that it reduces heart attacks , high blood pressure , beautifies the skin , makes the hair stronger and improves the digestive system by reducing acidity .

Another good point on its quality is the healthy environment of the water source itself . According to Wang , Gunung Raya is in a non-polluted environment complete with an ambience of fresh air , transparent water , primitive forest , and covered by a clear blue sky .

“ You see , our body consists of 70 per cent water . Good water can really change your whole body .

“ It can even increase your immune system ,” said Wang highlighting on the general benefits of mineral water .