From left to right: Pantai Premier Pathology CEO Dr. Hareeff Muhammed, 7-Eleven Malaysia CEO Colin Harvey, Berjaya Corporation executive director Datuk Sri Azlan Meah Hj Ahmed Meah, Ministry of Health Malaysia Secretary General YBhg. Datuk Seri Dr. Chen Chaw Min and Section Deputy Secretary Mohd. Fauzee Abd. Majid
The leading standalone convenience store chain in Malaysia, 7-Eleven Malaysia, along with its partner, Lucence, a precision oncology company, demonstrated its brand commitment of ‘Always There For You’ by donating 2,000 SAFER-Sample kits -- saliva sample collection kits for coronavirus detection -- worth more than RM260,000, to the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia on April 30, in meaningful support of the country’s collective efforts in combating the current COVID-19 outbreak.
The kit is an important part of scaling diagnostic testing, which is crucial in the process of accurately identifying infected patients who can then be isolated or treated to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19.
Saliva testing with supervised collection is more accurate, less invasive, safer for healthcare personnel and preserves precious PPE for use for direct patient care. Furthermore, SAFER-Sample enables samples to be stored and transported from the community to the laboratory without the need for chilling, for up to a week at room temperature.
7-Eleven Malaysia chief executive officer Colin Harvey said, “As a leading brand for corporate social responsibility, this latest contribution is one of many initiatives we have carried out before and during the national movement control order (MCO) through our Community Care platform to provide support and alleviate the burden faced by the less fortunate as well as the front-liners in the battle against Covid-19.”
He added that it was important for us all to “take a moment to recognise the heroic efforts of all front-liners as we continue to support and do our part in efforts to address this pandemic, and whilst we applaud our government’s proactive measures in keeping the public safe,” Harvey continued, “it is imperative that the private sector plays an active role in supporting and collaborating with the government to overcome this pandemic,” he concluded.
Lucence founder, chief executive officer and medical director Dr Tan Min-Han, added, “We are grateful for being able to play a role in this contribution to MOH in collaboration with 7-Eleven. Less painful, safer and more accessible mass testing will be key to ending this pandemic,” he added. Lucence, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore and California, makes highly sensitive liquid biopsy tests for disease detection and treatment selection and supplies molecular diagnostic services for innovative testing worldwide through its CLIA-licensed and CAP-accredited laboratory.
Though the number of new COVID-19 cases in Malaysia has been declining, 7-Eleven and Lucence were both in agreement in reminding and urging all members of the public to continue heeding the health advisory of practicing social distancing, washing hands thoroughly and frequently, and to avoid going out or leaving the home unless necessary. These measures, together with all of us maintaining self-discipline, will hopefully help keep our loved ones and the community safe, the companies’ representatives added.
7Eleven Malaysia has been present in the country for 36 years and now encompasses more than 2,400 outlets nationwide, serving more than a million customers daily. To learn more about 7-Eleven Malaysia’s latest initiatives or campaigns, follow the company at 7ElevenMalaysia on its official social media channels.
