Air Selangor’s commitment to community wellbeing

Access to clean water is more than just a necessity—it’s a lifeline that supports the health, well-being, and economic stability of communities.

At the forefront of ensuring this vital resource is Air Selangor, a company deeply committed to social responsibility.

Through a series of impactful initiatives under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) umbrella “Sesama Mara”, the largest water services provider in Malaysia goes beyond its core mission of providing water, demonstrating how businesses can drive sustainable positive change.

Sesama Mara, since its inception in 2020, has launched programmes aimed at uplifting and supporting communities in various ways. It has since contributed over RM1.45mil to community development efforts around Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

The programme is guided by Air Selangor’s sixth and last pillar of its sustainability model, “Giving Back To Community”, which aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Alleviating poverty

As part of the Sasama Mara programme, Air Selangor’s Box of Hope initiative is a testament to its dedication in alleviating poverty and supporting underprivileged households.

Since 2020, this initiative has provided essential provisions to over 5,075 families across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

In collaboration with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia, Air Selangor distributed 1,700 boxes of essential items in 2023 alone.

Each box contains a variety of food items and daily necessities designed to help families meet their immediate needs.

To further support this cause, Air Selangor, in collaboration with supermarket operator The Food Purveyor Sdn Bhd, has placed collection boxes at selected Village Grocer outlets.

This allows the public to donate dry groceries and essential food items such as rice, cooking oil and biscuits, which are then included in the Box of Hope food boxes.

2. Bridging the education gap

Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.

Air Selangor’s commitment to bridging the education gap for B40 students is evident through its partnership with Pandai Education Sdn Bhd, providing digital educational resources to help students prepare for their SPM examinations.

In 2023, the water services provider invested RM52,500 to provide 175 students with access to the Pandai Premium application, which includes practice questions, tests, and online tutoring.

By leveraging technology, this programme helps ensure that all students, regardless of their economic background, have the opportunity to excel academically.

3. Festive CSR

Air Selangor recognises the significance of festive seasons in fostering community spirit and inclusivity, therefore taking the opportunity to contribute to the underprivileged during Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Merdeka, Deepavali and Christmas.

In 2023, it distributed RM185,669.30 worth of provisions to 763 recipients across 20 different welfare houses.

Plumbing assistance was also provided to ensure a continuous supply of clean and safe treated water to these welfare homes.

This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to the long-term well-being of the underprivileged, highlighting Air Selangor’s holistic approach to CSR.

4. Ensuring access to clean and safe treated water

At the heart of Air Selangor’s mission is providing clean and safe treated water to all communities, addressing fundamental health needs and supporting economic stability across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

One of the key initiatives reflecting this commitment is the Skim Air Darul Ehsan (SADE), a strategic community investment devised by the Selangor State government and supported by Air Selangor.

This programme ensures that every consumer has equal access to clean and safe water.

In 2023, there were 35,817 new registrations, bringing the total approved recipients since the scheme’s inception in 2019 to 285,673.

Eligible low-income households receive 20 cubic metres of water free every month, providing support for families struggling with their finances.

This initiative costs the Selangor State government over RM30mil annually.

To qualify, applicants must be Malaysian citizens residing or renting in Selangor with a monthly household income of less than RM5,000, using individual metres in their residential premises.

This strategic investment ensures that basic water needs are met for the most vulnerable populations.

By guaranteeing a reliable water supply, Air Selangor helps to maintain public health, promote hygiene and support livelihoods.

This foundational commitment underpins its broader social responsibility initiatives, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

5. Empowering employee volunteerism

Recognising the power of collective effort, Air Selangor also launched the Hydro Heroes Volunteer programme in July 2023.

This initiative encourages its employees to engage directly with the community, fostering a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility within the organisation.

Since its launch, 117 employees have participated in various community service activities, ranging from environmental clean-ups to educational programmes.

By promoting volunteerism, Air Selangor not only benefits the community but also enhances employee engagement and morale, creating a culture of giving back and mutual support.

Community Impact

Air Selangor’s social responsibility initiatives showcase its dedication to making a meaningful difference in communities.

These efforts are supported by strategic partnerships that play a crucial role in achieving their goals.

This collective approach addresses fundamental needs and supports long-term development, illustrating the profound impact of thoughtful, community-driven business practices.

By providing clean water, supporting education, and aiding underprivileged communities, Air Selangor has created a robust support system for the most vulnerable.

Its approach to CSR not only improves lives today but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Article Published in The Star on 26 July 2024.