Lifestraw hands on training session at Jong and Teraling village

“We do it better when we do it together.” This could be the motto of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Malaysia, which works with partner organizations and communities throughout the country on meaningful projects to improve living conditions, including access to clean water and sanitation, solar energy, and regenerative farming. In addition, recognizing that future success depends on today’s youth, GPF Malaysia supports children and young people through literacy development, youth empowerment, and fostering life skills.

In many parts of the world, clean water is a life necessity that is often taken for granted. Unfortunately, access to this fundamental right is limited in some areas. In June, GPF Malaysia continued its work to change this by sponsoring two clean water initiatives in partnership with supporting organizations.

During the week of June 22, GPF Malaysia partnered with SLB to assist two communities in gaining access to clean water. The team trained villagers in Lubuk Perah and Cenongew to use their new solar water pump and water filter system. The villagers learned how to operate the system’s on/off controller and maintain the filter. The hands-on and practical session gave them the confidence to independently maintain their clean water system, which will allow access to this vital resource directly from their homes.

Water filter demonstration

Another example of how GPF Malaysia collaborates with others to bring clean water to communities is the LifeStraw initiative, which the organization initiated in 2018. Supported by a Hasanah Special Grant, the GPF Malaysia team is distributing LifeStraw filters to help provide clean water to rural communities. The filter effectively eliminates 99.9 percent of harmful bacteria from water, providing villagers with much-needed access to clean water.

By working directly with communities, the GPF Malaysia team can assess water sources and provide the right solution for each community’s water needs. It is not a “one size fits all” proposition, but through proper planning and support, the correct solution can be provided, and clean water can be made available.

Providing access to clean water for drinking and cooking reduces exposure to water-borne illnesses and eliminates multiple time-consuming trips each day to bring water from outside locations to houses. This enables families to spend more time on family and income-generating activities.

Joining hands with local authorities for community development

Collaboration is the key to success. Everyone has a role to play; local communities, government agencies, and grassroots organizations are collectively working to achieve sustainable life-improving solutions. GPF Malaysia proudly works with local authorities like JAKOA, Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan, and Pejabat Daerah dan Tanah Seremban to offer sustainable solutions for underserved Malaysian communities.

Improving access to clean water creates a healthier environment and promotes social cohesion. It is a mutually beneficial endeavor that depends on multiple sources of support. As noted by the GPF Malaysia team, “Because when we move forward together, we go further!”

For more information on GPF Malaysia, visit Global Peace Foundation Malaysia