As Malaysia celebrates Merdeka Day, Dettol, Malaysia’s leading name in health and hygiene is taking a proactive stance to ensure a safe and healthy Merdeka Day for over 50,000 citizens during the national celebration. Through its ‘Selangkah Lebih, Selangkah Kasih’ initiative, a campaign that advocates gestures of love and support, Dettol is committed to going the extra mile to protect Malaysians from the spread of germs and infections.
With a rich heritage that spans over 90 years, Dettol has become an integral part of households across the nation, providing trusted protection by killing 100 illness-causing germs, that families have relied upon and passed down through the years.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Dettol’s journey in Malaysia has been marked by a commitment to protecting communities. This legacy of trust and protection continues to resonate with each new generation, reinforcing Dettol’s position as a cornerstone of Malaysian family life.
During large-scale events, there is an increased risk of illness and the transmission of germs in public spaces. Therefore, this National Day, August 31st, Dettol continues its mission to safeguard Malaysians. By engaging directly with the community, Dettol aims to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene and reduce the potential dangers of contaminated surfaces.
The lack of accessible wash stations in public areas in mass gatherings such as these can lead to poor hand hygiene, facilitating the transmission of germs. Dettol highlights the critical role of handwashing in preventing the spread of illnesses, especially in high-traffic environments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.8 million children under 5 die annually from pneumonia & 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. The GHC has also reported that Gastroenteritis results from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, or indirectly by transferring an organism from a contaminated surface or item to the mouth, usually by hand.
In line with its commitment to the well-being of Malaysians, Dettol is bringing its ‘Selangkah Lebih, Selangkah Kasih’ initiative to life, providing essential hygiene products and expert guidance. By deploying a dedicated hygiene squad during the Merdeka Day event, Dettol is actively working to create a safer environment for everyone. The hygiene crew will be helping sanitise patrons’ hands with Dettol Hand Sanitizers and hand out Dettol Antibacterial Wet Wipes to ensure optimal hand hygiene. The crew will also disinfect common public areas with Dettol Disinfectant Spray, proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus for added protection.
“As we come together to celebrate the spirit of independence, it is crucial that we also safeguard our health and the health of our loved ones,” commented Tiffany Tang, Marketing Director for Health, Malaysia and Singapore for Reckitt. “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.”
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.
