Kampung Gantung Geriang Tok Batin (headman) Arifin (left) with representatives from Atlas Copco and Global Peace Foundation checking out the village’s new water source and solar pump system.
A PROJECT called “Water for All” in Kampung Sungai Gayung and Kampung Gantung Geriang was inaugurated by Atlas Copco Malaysia and Singapore, in collaboration with Global Peace Foundation Malaysia.
The event at Kampung Sungai Gayung in Pahang included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new solar-powered water pump. Present were the heads of both villages.
A media briefing was held at Mangala Resort in Kuantan.
Guests of honour were Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bergstrom, Atlas Copco Holding SEA and Oceania vice-president Horst Wasel, and Atlas Copco Malaysia and Singapore compressor technique general manager Khalid Shaikh.
Global Peace Foundation Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Teh Su Thye and his team were also present.
In a media statement, Wasel said: “Access to clean water is a basic human right, and it is heartening to see organisations coming together to make it a reality for the people of Pahang.
“This Water for All project will go a long way in improving the health and well-being of local communities.
Representatives from Atlas Copco and Global Peace Foundation with residents from Kampung Sungai Gayung and Kampung Gantung Geriang.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of the people of Pahang.”
The project aims to provide sustainable solutions for water and sanitation.
Khalid said: “We are thrilled to empower villagers by providing them with skills to build and maintain essential facilities like toilets, washrooms and solar water pumps.
“We have not only provided them with access to clean water but also ensure that they can sustain these facilities for years to come.”
Bergstrom said: “I am very proud of the Swedish companies operating here in Malaysia that are at the forefront of the green shift and sustainability movement.
“With access to water, other benefits will follow, not only better physical health but also better mental health, dignity and other basic human rights.”
According to a report by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 92% of the Malaysian population has access to clean water, which means that there are still 8% who do not.
This amounts to about two million people having limited or no access to piped water.
Access to clean water and sanitation facilities is particularly crucial for vulnerable groups, including girls.
The lack of proper sanitation can force them to use unsafe areas which not only threatens their safety but also undermines their dignity.
For more details about the project, visit www.water4all.org/en
