FedEx Express has collaborated with Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES), a sustainability-focused environmental organization, and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to extend support to the local indigenous community by upgrading and enhancing a kindergarten facility in Pulau Carey, Selangor, as part of its CSR initiatives.
The kindergarten serves the underprivileged indigenous communities around the area.
Through the global FedEx Cares program, about 50 FedEx volunteers came together to produce ecobricks and rebuild a perimeter wall of the Tabika Kemas Kampung Orang Asli Sg Rambai.
The perimeter wall was constructed from bricks as well as 1,500 ecobricks, to create a safer playground safety for more outdoor activities for the 36 students aged 4 to 6.
The enhancement was recently unveiled by FedEx, alongside key representatives from TrEES, JAKOA as well as senior leaders of the indigenous community.
The program was kicked-off with an ecobrick-making workshop, where FedEx volunteers learned how to make ecobricks by compacting plastic waste into 500 ml PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) bottles, each weighing no less than 200g.
FedEx Express Malaysia managing director SC Chong said the company is committed to sustainability throughout its business operations.
“The steps we take today will positively impact future generations. In the same way, this program not only helps the underserved local communities but also raises awareness around the use of sustainable materials. As children will use the facility every day, we hope that the use of ecobricks will help educate the next generation about the importance of sustainability,” he said.
TrEES director Leela Panikkar said, “Through environmental education and building of the sustainable ecobricks perimeter wall for the indigenous community, we hope to reconnect the urban community in supporting the underserved, whilst inculcating green habits to reduce our plastic footprint.”
She expressed thanks to FedEx and JAKOA for the assistance and support in upgrading the kindergarten, and ensuring that the children have a safe, secured space for play.
The tabika serves three local communities in the neighbouring settlements of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Rambai, Kampung Orang Asli Kepau Laut as well as Kampung Melayuwith a population of over 650 people from about 180 families.
Villagers from the indigenous communities belong to the Mah Meri sub-ethnic group who traditionally work as fishermen, oil palm smallholders and weavers.
FedEx supports this initiative under its FedEx Cares global community engagement program. Through FedEx Cares, FedEx supports non-profit organizations working to solve social challenges in local communities and is committed to positively impact 50 million people around the globe by the company’s 50th anniversary in 2023.
