MBf Cards (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has launched its first Visa credit card, which offers packages targeted at those who are concerned about ecological issues and personal health.
The MBf Visa card, called “Gaia” (pronounced as guy-ya), is the first translucent card to be introduced to the market in the company’s approach towards environmental protection issues.
The Gaia (which is Greek for “Goddess of the Earth”) Classic Card has a translucent green lthe eaf and the Gaia Visa Gold is claimed to be the first translucent Gold Card in Malaysia.
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Datuk Loy (centre) posing with Zainal Abidin (left) and VISA Malaysia country manager Jeffrey Perera at the launch of the card. |
MBf Cards president Datuk Loy Teik Ngan launched the card in Kuala Rompin on Tuesday night.
Loy told Starbiz that the card would be attractive to everyone with a sense of responsibility towards protecting the earth.
“The MBf Gaia Visa card is a result of our brain-storming sessions to create a niche positioning strategy by designing and packaging a credit card that offers benefits, events and information that are appealing to those who want to care for the environment. Part of the card’s appeal is that we will contribute 0.1% of the card members’ retail spending to the Malaysian Nature Society, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Kidney Foundation, Treat Every Environment Special and Pure Life Society.
“We believe that the biggest appeal is that the cardholders will be assured that part of their investments will be channelled towards helping to preserve humankind and the environment,” he said.
Cardholders also have the option of supporting any of the NGOs by donation using the MBf Cards “Call n’ Pay” facility.
Company assistant vice-president (marketing) Audrey Tan said MBf Cards would expand its services by offering special packages for those who liked nature-related activities such as scuba-diving or jungle trekking.
“We have organised tie-ups with various companies offering environment-related packages. For example, Gaia cardholders will get special prices when they dine at restaurants which offer vegetarian or organic food, or when they go to gyms and beauty and fitness centres. That’s why the Gaia Visa card tagline is called “It's Your Voice,” which champions the cardholder’s cause for his community and the environment.” s
Media advertisements for the Gaia would be released today.
During the launch, local singer Zainal Abidin, who is known for his concerns for the environment, was invited to perform .
