MALAYSIA | August 2025 — Staying true to its mission of sustainably feeding Asia from mill to meal, Aboitiz Foods takes purposeful steps to support communities and foster a healthier environment across Malaysia. Through its subsidiary Gold Coin Malaysia, the company’s efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action, focusing on both empowering communities and protecting the planet.
This commitment is showcased through two distinct yet interconnected initiatives: Bringing solar solutions to rural communities in Sarawak and launching Project ROOTS to restore coastal ecosystems.
Gold Coin Sarawak Lights Up Local Communities with Solar Power
For many years, the communities surrounding Gold Coin Sarawak have been home to many of the company’s employees. However, these communities often lack access to reliable electricity, a challenge that significantly impacts their quality of life. Families typically rely on kerosene lamps or candles for lighting, which not only pose fire hazards but also severely limit opportunities for evening activities such as studying, crafting, and other essential economic activities.
To address this need, Gold Coin Sarawak officially sealed its partnership with Pestec International BHD to bring safer, brighter nights to the community. The partnership will provide 40 solar lamp kits and outdoor communal lighting units, empowering 150 residents with reliable and sustainable lighting.
This project also includes installing solar lighting systems in selected villages and providing basic orientation on lamp usage and maintenance, ensuring the community can sustain this improvement for years to come. It will also enable them to continue their daily activities, including their livelihood, after the sun goes down.
“The whole purpose of this project is to improve the living conditions in rural areas, especially to ensure that children have access to lighting at night—for studying, outdoor activities, and more,” said Teo Seng Leong, Assistant Vice President, Business Operations, Gold Coin Sarawak. “The company hopes that in the coming years, we can continue this effort so that more areas can be reached and supported,” he added.
With the project set to begin in September, Aboitiz Foods continues its promise to nourish the future by providing safer, sustainable lighting and strengthening its ties with the community.
Gold Coin Malaysia launches Project ROOTS
The well-being of our communities is directly tied to the health of our planet. Recognizing that the oceans, trees, and shores are part of the same ecosystem that sustains both communities and food production, Gold Coin team members from Port Klang and Sarawak launched Project ROOTS: Restoring Our Oceans, Trees, and Shores.
This project aims to address critical environmental issues like coastal erosion, marine pollution, and deforestation. It kicked off with a collaborative clean-up drive at Kelanang Beach, Selangor where Gold Coin team members joined forces with the local community, Majis Perbandaran Kuala Langat (MPKL).
The team collected 289 kg worth of trash and planted pine trees to prevent further erosion of the mangroves.
The project’s impact went beyond rehabilitation, including the installation of amenities such as stone benches, trash bins, and educational signboards promoting proper waste management and encouraging sustainable public practices.
“Today, we go beyond food because a healthier world starts with a healthier planet,” said Greg Canoy, Supervisor, Corporate Social Responsibility. “Our oceans, trees, and shores are part of the same ecosystem that sustains the food we produce, the communities we serve, and the lives we impact,” he said.
Additionally, Aboitiz Foods donated two benches, three recycling bins, and signboards worth 2,000 USD (approximately 8,878 MYR). This initiative aims to improve waste management, promote environmental cleanliness, and foster sustainable behavior in the area.
From lighting up communities to restoring vital coastal ecosystems, Aboitiz Foods continues to demonstrate its commitment to nourishing the future. These efforts showcase our dedication to building a better tomorrow by empowering communities with essential resources while also preserving our planet for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is the main objective of the solar lighting project in Sarawak, Malaysia?
To improve the quality of life for residents in rural Sarawak by providing access to safe, sustainable, and reliable solar lighting solutions, reducing their reliance on kerosene lamps due to the lack of electricity.
2. Who is Aboitiz Foods partnering with for the Solar lighting project?
Aboitiz Foods, through Gold Coin Sarawak, is partnering with Pestec International BHD.
3. What is Project ROOTS?
Project ROOTS stands for “Restoring Our Oceans, Trees, and Shores.”, an initiative to address issues like coastal erosion, marine pollution, and deforestation through activities like beach clean-ups and tree planting.
4. Where did they launch Project ROOTS?
Kelanang Beach, Banting, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
5. Which United Nations Sustainable Development Goal is this aligned with?
This project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action. Both initiatives support the company’s mission to sustainably feed Asia by fostering resilient communities and a healthier planet.
