PETALING JAYA: A Safe Water, Safe Communities project aimed at providing clean water to orang asli communities has been launched by Nestle Malaysia, with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF).

Nestle Malaysia Group Corporate Affairs executive director Nirmala Thurai said the programme involves installing water filtration systems for over 650 people in five villages in Tasik Chini, Pahang.

She said Nestle felt it had a responsibility to carry out the programmes to improve the quality of life of the villagers.

GPF chief executive Dr Teh Su Thye said the programme will be carried out from this month to December.

He said 56 Swiss-designed water filtration systems would be installed in the villages.

“The villagers will be able to remove the bacteria in their water supply and use safe, chemical-free water,” Dr Teh said.

Teh and his non-profit organisation will also be carrying out engagement activities along with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) training for the villagers to raise awareness on the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.

“At the moment, many orang asli communities use water that is muddy and also rusty.

“Some of the villagers will even tell you that the water changes colour from season to season, which shows how severe the issue is.

“We also want to educate communities on how to protect the quality of their water source.

“This will include using clean bottles to collect water, washing your hands after eating, bathing with purified water, and more,” he said.

GPF is an international non-profit organisation which organises programmes to facilitate inter-cultural and inter-religious cooperation, strengthen families and communities, and foster a culture of service and peace.