Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Partners with Food Aid Foundation for 'Cooking for a Cause' Initiative

Klang, 12 May 2024 (Sunday) - Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (Bank Pembangunan) has partnered with Food Aid Foundation (FAF) to join its flagship 'Cooking for a Cause' program, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement.

FAF’s innovative approach to rescuing surplus food from various outlets, including hotels, retailers, hypermarkets, and wet markets, has set the standard for food banks across Malaysia. 'Cooking for a Cause' provides a unique team-building opportunity for volunteers to prepare meals for underprivileged beneficiaries while learning about food waste and food security in Malaysia.

Sainursalwa Sani, Chief Human Resource Officer at Bank Pembangunan, highlighted the importance of community engagement, stating, "At Bank Pembangunan, we believe that national development starts at the community level. By joining 'Cooking for a Cause,' we support local welfare homes and B40 families while fostering inclusivity and diversity. It's a great opportunity for our employees to work together for a common goal."

Founder of FAF, Mr. Rick Chee, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to have Bank Pembangunan join us for 'Cooking for a Cause.' Their commitment to community development aligns with our mission to address food insecurity and reduce food waste. This program enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the underprivileged."

This event marks Bank Pembangunan's first participation in 'Cooking for a Cause,' and was held at Dewan Serbaguna Bandar Sultan Suleiman, Port Klang, Selangor, where Bank Pembangunan volunteers joined hands with FAF representatives to prepare nutritious meals. Beneficiaries included welfare homes, such as orphanages, elderly care centers, and homes for individuals with special needs (OKU), as well as B40 families, single-parent families, and elderly residents.

Representatives from registered FAF food bank beneficiaries in Klang that came to collect the prepared meal included Rumah Pemulihan Boas, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Detik Permulaan Takdir Klang, Persatuan Kebajikan Rakan Lutheran Selangor, Pusat Jagaan Anbe Sivam, and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Lagenda.

A second session has also been planned for June in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on the urban poor. Bank Pembangunan and FAF are committed to expanding their collaboration and creating more opportunities to support the community.

YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister visited the 'Cooking for a Cause' event after launching the 'ALAM Be-Leaf Programme' at the nearby Mangrove Point, demonstrating their support for both Bank Pembangunan's initiatives and ongoing work in the community.

ABOUT BANK PEMBANGUNAN MALAYSIA BERHAD

Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad was incorporated on 28 November 1973 as a development financial institution. Owned by Minister of Finance (Incorporated), Bank Pembangunan has been accorded the highest rating of ‘AAA’ by both RAM Rating Services Berhad and Malaysia Rating Corporation Berhad. It is regulated and supervised by Bank Negara Malaysia under the Development Financial Institution Act 2002.

With a Group Total Assets value of RM27.0 billion (as at 31 December 2022), Bank Pembangunan is well positioned to meet the financing and business development needs of Malaysian businesses.