As Malaysia united in celebrating Merdeka Day, Dettol took a proactive stance in ensuring the health and safety of over 50,000 Malaysians during the national celebration through its ‘Selangkah Lebih, Selangkah Kasih’ (An extra step, an expression of love) initiative.
The campaign advocates gestures of love and support, reinforces Dettol’s commitment of going the extra mile to protect Malaysians from the spread of germs and infections.
With a rich heritage that spans over 90 years, Dettol products, known for killing 100 illness-causing germs, has become an integral part of households across the nation providing trusted protection to families that have relied upon and passed down through the years.
In large-scale events like Merdeka Day, the risk of illness and the spread of germs is heightened, especially with limited wash stations in crowded areas. Understanding this, Dettol went above and beyond to protect attendees by providing essential hygiene support.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.8 million children under 5 die annually from pneumonia and diarrhoea, whereas a simple act of handwashing could be a shield for 1 in 3 from diarrhoea and 1 in 5 from pneumonia.
Crowded public spaces can become breeding grounds for pathogens, increasing the risk of infectious diseases while contaminated touchpoints, including food stalls, public seating, play areas and overflowing trash bins, pose significant health hazards as these areas can harbour resistant bacteria, contributing to the persistence and spread of illnesses.
During the Merdeka Day event on August 31, Dettol deployed a dedicated hygiene squad to create a safer environment for everyone by providing essential hygiene products and expert guidance.
The hygiene crew helped sanitise patrons’ hands with Dettol Hand Sanitizers and handed out Dettol Antibacterial Wet Wipes to ensure optimal hand hygiene.
The crew also disinfected common public areas with Dettol Disinfectant Spray, proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the Covid-19 virus for added protection.
“Through our ‘Selangkah Lebih, Selangkah Kasih’ initiative, we are dedicated to ensuring that every Malaysian can enjoy the festivities without compromising their health. By providing the necessary resources and sanitisation, we hope to make a positive impact on public hygiene practices,” said Tiffany Tang, marketing director for health, Malaysia and Singapore at Reckitt.
In essence, the ‘Selangkah Lebih, Selangkah Kasih’ campaign embodies the spirit of Jiwa Merdeka, wherein acts of kindness and compassion reflect the nurturing and caring nature of Malaysia.