The Health | March , 2021

Nestlé ( Malaysia ) Berhad ’ s Plant-Based Meal Solutions manufacturing facility , one of only two in Asia , is now complete and operational , and will be officially launched in April .

CEO of Nestlé Malaysia Juan Aranols said , its entrance in the emerging plantbased category will be one of the exciting developments in 2021 .

“ In 2021 we expect to allocate significant new fresh investment to further expand and upgrade our manufacturing facilities , creating also new job opportunities .

“ Last but not least , we will continue accelerating our efforts in 2021 to shape a greener and more sustainable future for all , with important projects such as the execution of Project RELeaf , he said in a recent statement .

Listed Nestle Malaysia is controlled by Nestlé , the world ’ s largest food and beverage manufacturer which is headquartered in Switzerland and operates in more than 180 countries .

On prospects for 2021 , Aranols said he foresaw that Covid-19 will continue to have repercussions , especially through the first half of the year .

“ We will continue to focus on ensuring the safety of our people , the continued supply of our products to our customers and will again help vulnerable communities through different programmes .

“ We also expect a significant rebound in the prices of many key commodities that anticipate margin tensions that we will continue to do our best to manage . And of course , we will drive our business with a

AVON recently launched # WatchForChange and # BoobWatch campaigns in Malaysia through a TikTok Dance Challenge to highlight the importance of breast selfexaminations and the SpeakCup campaign on Instagram to spark social conversation on breast health and when to take action . “ Since 1992 , Avon Malaysia has been relentless in its efforts to raise breast cancer awareness through grassroots education , screenings for the underprivileged and funding towards NGOs .

“ With the current pandemic , raising breast cancer awareness is becoming increasingly critical as many of us may have put breast cancer screening on hold ,” said Tan Mei Yen , General Manager of Avon Cosmetics ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd .

“ Early breast cancer detection is still the most important strategy in the fight against breast cancer and with our recent Watch Me Now brand repositioning , we are taking a bolder stand and using relevant communication channels to step up on social conversation as more people spend time online and on social media .

“ Hence , our focus is on creating and amplifying engaging digital content to ensure both women and men are empowered to watch for change when it comes to breast cancer and know how to take action ,” she said .

As part of its # WatchForChange campaign , Avon Malaysia teamed up with local influencers such as Syazlin Zainal , Nurin Afiqah and Batrisya for a TikTok inspired dance tutorial that encourages people to check their breasts regularly and calls on viewers to share the video with at least two friends to help raise lifesaving awareness .

The SpeakCup campaign is a series of videos by Miss World Malaysia 2019 , Alexis SueAnn and Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 , Francisca James who share their testaments to empower viewers

long-term focus and always deliver safe , high-quality nutritional products meeting the taste and other expectations of all Malaysians .”

Nestle Malaysia registered a profit before tax ( PBT ) of RM167.4 million , closing the gap on 2019 vs previous three reported quarters . This was primarily due to the impacted out-of-home ( OOH ) channels , as well as higher operational expenses to protect the safety of all employees at work and ensure operational continuity , including a massive Covid-19 antigen screening programme critical to keep all employees safe and ensure operational continuity .

Nevertheless , the Group recorded a profit after tax ( PAT ) of RM132.5 million , marginally higher versus the same quarter last year .

“ Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic , our foremost priority was to protect the safety of all our employees , regardless of cost implications .

“ As an example , our mass testing programme which started in October 2020 has seen over 140,000 tests performed to date , with a cumulated cost of several million Ringgit .

“ The fight against the virus requires us to remain humble and continue to be very proactive and disciplined in the application of all standard operating procedures ( SOPs ) and containment measures .

“ We have also delivered on our commitment to protect jobs and employment , having managed to avoid any workforce restructuring in 2020 in spite of the significant cost pressures we have had to absorb .”

who might not have considered doing a regular check , either themselves or through an annual mammogram , to take it up .

To further support the cancer community , Avon Malaysia also contributed RM20,000 to the National Cancer Society Malaysia ( NCSM ) which will enable 35 underprivileged women with a positive mammogram test to undergo a FNAC / core needle biopsy procedure .

The NCSM was represented by Head of Cancer & Health Screening Clinic Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin and breast cancer survivor Navi Indran Pillai who earlier held a breast cancer health talk for Avon Malaysia ’ s employees . Dr Dalilah said , “ Poor health literacy , limited access to early screening , and financial barriers prevent the public , especially the most vulnerable of society from seeking professional help when symptoms appear .”

“ The contribution from Avon Malaysia comes at a time when we have a waiting list of underprivileged women who need to undergo a breast biopsy procedure at NCSM .”

McDONAld ’ s Malaysia continued its annual tradition of reaching out to senior citizens at old folks ’ homes nationwide in conjunction with the Year of the Ox . In the spirit of showcasing the ‘ True Meaning of Prosperity ’ while adhering to standard operating procedures ( SOPs ), the company sponsored food delivered to old folks ’ homes located within the proximity of McDonald ’ s restaurants , throughout February .

“ Since this initiative was first introduced in 2017 , it has been our company ’ s tradition to celebrate with senior citizens at these homes during Chinese New Year . While previous years saw our restaurant crew members spending quality time with the elderly – sprucing up the space in time to usher in the New Year and then participating in the Prosperity Toss or Yee Sang with them , we had to do things a little bit differently this year due to the Movement Control Order ( MCO ) and safety SOPs ,” said Azmir Jaafar , Managing Director and Local Operating Partner , McDonald ’ s Malaysia .

“ Despite Chinese New Year being a relatively quiet one for the nation this year , we still wanted to continue the tradition of engaging with the elderly during this special time of the year , albeit on a smaller scale .”

“ For a number of residents at these homes , this would be the first time that they will not be able to celebrate with their family members and loved ones . We hope that our efforts helped to spread the festive cheer and continue to keep everyone connected one way or another ,” added Azmir .

Additionally , in the spirit of togetherness , staff at McDonald ’ s Malaysia headquarters came together to raise funds for eight old folks ’ homes in the Klang Valley . The funds will be used to stock up on daily necessities and household items at these homes .

This initiative that McDonald ’ s Malaysia embarked on five years ago is in line with McDonald ’ s belief in the true meaning of Prosperity , which emphasises on the value that relationships with our loved ones bring , beyond material wealth . This initiative also underscores the importance of care and respect for the elderly .

Engaging the community during festive seasons underscores McDonald ’ s commitment in creating a positive impact in society . Last year alone , more than 7,000 community programmes were initiated by McDonald ’ s that brought joy to the lives of millions of Malaysians .

Some of these nationwide initiatives include food sponsorship for hospitals , personal protection equipment sponsorship for frontliners , Covid-19 prevention messages sponsorship for schools , Anugerah Guru Inspirasi to celebrate teachers , as well as many other restaurant-led activities that were carried out throughout the year .