Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised beverage company Etika Sdn Bhd for contributing goods worth more than RM250,000 to complement the government’s flood relief efforts.

Anwar praised the beverage firm for taking up his call for the private sector to join in the flood relief efforts.

“Etika’s swift action in providing aid reflects its genuine concern and strong spirit of solidarity in supporting the community during these challenging times.

“Etika’s swift response to this national crisis exemplifies the spirit of corporate Malaysia at its best,” Anwar was quoted as saying in a press release by the company.

Etika had contributed 7,000 cartons or nearly 130,000 bottles and cans of dairy-based beverages, bottled water and energy drinks to Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia, which were then channelled to flood victims as well as frontliners.

The company also mobilised volunteers to help Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia distribute the drinks.

Its CEO, Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, said the floods had left a deep impact on many, and it was Etika’s corporate as well as human responsibility to support the flood relief efforts.

Santharuban said the firm was committed to helping the local communities affected by the floods to rebuild.

“In this moment of adversity, we believe that every small effort counts. More than just contributing products, we believe in being part of the collective effort to help communities rebuild and recover.

“Supporting the communities we serve has and will always be at the heart of Etika’s values and everything we do here.

“True impact comes from empathy and collective action, especially when the floods have led to unprecedented upheaval and turned the lives of many Malaysians upside down,” he said.

Etika has been partnering with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia since 2019, becoming one of the organisation’s largest contributors during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.

Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the chairman of Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia’s board of trustees, expressed gratitude to Etika and Santharuban for their consistent contributions and efforts.

“Our collaboration continues, and every contribution is deeply appreciated,” she said.