Guardian Malaysia Lowers And Locks Prices Of 1,500 Essentials

Guardian Malaysia today launched a nation-wide initiative to lower and lock the prices of 1,500 items of health, beauty and personal care essentials to cushion the impact of financial challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The prices of these items have been lowered and will remain unchanged for the rest of the year so that customers need not have to visit multiple places for great deals, said Soren Lauridsen, CEO of Guardian South East Asia (Guardian SEA), as well as Guardian Health And Beauty Sdn Bhd (Guardian Malaysia).

He said: “We have listened closely to our customers and what they look for, especially following the onset of the pandemic and decided to support them by locking the low prices of 1,500 essentials to protect from price fluctuations.

The “Low Prices Locked To Stay Low” initiative is a regional effort by Guardian SEA and underscores the Group’s commitment to ensure prices of daily essentials such as bath, hair care, personal hygiene, vitamins and supplements remain affordable during this challenging time when customers are increasingly looking to stretch their dollar.

“Our customers throughout the country, including those who prefer to buy online, can enjoy these affordable prices and great value, every day for the rest of the year. We believe our customers will appreciate this form of support in this highly uncertain environment,” he added.

Lauridsen said the selection of products is based on Guardian’s research on customer buying behaviour and preferences. It reflects what they buy most often, such as Dove and Pantene shampoo, Darlie toothpaste and Panadal Actifast. “Our customers also indicated that affordability is a priority, which is the focus of our initiative,” he added.

Reflecting the findings of the research, and given the current deep concerns over healthcare, a total of 35% of the items are health essentials, carefully selected to make them even more affordable. In the current climate, Guardian observed a growth in demand for Guardian’s own brand products because of its attractive price range and trusted quality. As such prices of all Guardian Brand products have also been lowered and locked in this initiative.

Lauridsen said: “Our investment in this initiative is in line with Guardian’s commitment in putting our customers at the heart of everything that we do, listening to their needs as the trusted leading pharmacy, health and beauty destination in Malaysia.

“In addition, we remain committed to improving the customer experience despite the challenging economic climate - we have invested in store refits and new openings in the past year with a focus on giving customers greater accessibility to quality health and beauty products and services all at a one-stop destination.”

“Our initiative goes beyond just great prices. We have worked hard and have become the trusted experts in community health, supported by a large team of pharmacists. Guardian remains a dedicated long-term partner to improving the health and well-being of all our customers,” Lauridsen added.

For more details on Guardian’s Low Prices Locked initiative please visit www.guardian.com.my or in stores.

TOP’s Commitment to Continuous Detergent Technology Innovation Delivers Breakthrough 99.9% Virus Removal In Time for Pandemic Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. While the immunisation roll-out is progressing, Malaysians are responding responsibly to the government’s call to protect self, to protect all by taking precautions to bring down transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

While staying home, practising physical distancing, usage of face masks, hand washing or sanitising, and temperature checks are part of our new norm, Malaysians in the spirit of #kitajagakita have embraced TOP’s latest detergent technology innovation that is proven to remove 99.9% of viruses including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and Influenza A.

TOP, the No 1 detergent brand in Total Malaysia, introduced TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech™ as a direct response to consumer insights on concerns that the deadly virus could still cling on to laundered clothes, posing a risk to their loved ones. TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech can remove 99.9% of viruses, not just bacteria.

TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech with Lion Japan’s Anti-Microbial Tech deploys next generation detergent technology that effectively removes 99.9% of harmful viruses (SARS-CoV-2, commonly known as COVID-19 & Influenza A) and bacteria1. This specially curated multi-tech formulation works immediately upon contact by locking the viruses & bacteria, then removing them off clothes with one powerful wash.

TOP’s Advanced Micro-Clean Tech builds on the strength of existing formulation that comes with all the functionality that TOP is famed for including its anti-sebum, anti-malodour, anti-mite dust, added with the assurance that it removes 99.9% of harmful viruses and bacteria for optimum protection that cleans deeply by penetrating into each fibre core to dislodge trapped invisible stains such as dirt, sebum and sweat, preventing them from redepositing onto laundry, keeping it really clean every time. Your clothes will smell fresher for longer and remain hygienically clean.

TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech with Anti-Microbial Tech is launched just in time as those who head out desire the peace-of-mind that they have taken steps to reduce the risks of inadvertently spreading the virus to their loved ones and community.

According to Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Senior General Manager, Ms Carmen Foo, Malaysian consumers have wisely selected TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech for its 99.9% anti-virus removal functionality, that can remove the COVID-19 virus from fabrics, a responsible choice for themselves, their families and their community. This formulation has been tested via independent lab in Japan and is proven to effectively remove up to 99.9% of virus especially COVID-19 & Influenza A.

“Even before the pandemic, Lion Corporation of Japan had been researching anti-virus detergent technology to give our users a more hygienically lifestyle. We introduced this innovative and essential detergent technology to Malaysia only after exhaustive formula development to ensure it works against viruses, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus in particular. Malaysians appreciated our innovative product offering as it is relevant to our new normal, and gives them greater peace of mind. For TOP, we are glad to do our part as part of #kitajagakita by providing this innovative detergent range.”

“Consumers’ trust and confidence have propelled TOP to be the number one detergent brand in Malaysia for many years. Our thanks to them is through our commitment to continuously innovate based on consumer insights with the objective of making their lives and lifestyles better and more hygienically clean,” Ms Foo explained.

“We are proud to be empowering Malaysians from the community level to be aware and to care through TOP’s breakthrough innovation. Each of us can play an important part by taking small steps such as using face masks, sanitising hands and washing our clothes with a detergent that can remove the virus.”

“Since I have been back at work, I have been worried that I may have brought the virus back with me on my clothes as my mother lives with us. We need to be careful. When I saw that TOP could remove 99.9% of viruses including COVID-19, I got it immediately for my family. Our routine when we get home is to remove used clothes, put them in a laundry basket with a close-fitting cover, and have a shower. We do laundry every evening to reduce the risk of transmission. I feel happy to use TOP because it can remove 99.9% of viruses,” said Wenny Soong, a hairstylist and mother of two.

Muhammad Syahidee, a delivery driver felt it was his responsibility to use a detergent that could remove 99.9% of viruses and bacteria as his effort to reduce the risk of transmission. “Before the pandemic I didn’t know the difference between virus and bacteria. I was anxious as I may inadvertently spread the disease to my family, friends, customers & co-workers as I am a frontliner. I found that TOP removes 99.9% of viruses including the COVID-19 from my clothes, and this gives me assurance and peace of mind. It is the responsibility of every one of us to safeguard the health of all of us. It’s #kitajagakita. I’m extra careful about cleanliness and hygiene even more now than before. None of us should be a super-spreader,” he explained.

For long time loyal TOP user, Syakirah Yusof the new TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech 99.9% Antivirus range is timely. “My parents use TOP, and I use TOP for many years too as their anti-malodour and anti-sebum function help tremendously for sweaty laundry that is dried indoors. I’m glad that all the functions I love about TOP detergent are still in the new detergent that removes 99.9% of viruses including those cause COVID-19. TOP really cleans deeply and well, both visible and invisible stains and I can feel it. I love the fragrance of laundry washed with TOP,” said Syakirah, a lawyer.

The new TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech 99.9% Antivirus is in powder, liquid and low suds for your detergent preference. Consumers can reap the benefits of the existing TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech in their laundry, which is available in TOP Powder detergent of Super White, Super Colour, Super Hygienic, Blooming Freshness and Silky Miracle. For TOP Liquid range consumers, they can opt for its extensive range of Brilliant Clean, Colour Protect, Odour Buster, Stain Buster, Blooming Pleasures and Silky Miracle. TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech is also available in Super Low Suds and Super Low Suds Blooming Garden (powder) and Smart Clean Liquid in Low Suds Formula that are specially developed for front loading washing machines, for a gently efficient and effective wash. TOP detergents are available at retailers, nationwide and online via the Shopee Official Store and LazMall.

To find out more please visit http://www.southernlion.com.my or call customer care line at 1800-88-0133.

Calling All 18 - 20-year olds: Activate Your ShopeePay Premium and Get RM5 Free Credit Today

ShopeePay is currently running its Activate ShopeePay Premium campaign till 31 May where youths aged 18 to 20 will receive a bonus of RM5 when they verify their ShopeePay accounts with their national registration identity cards (NRICs). After the verification process is completed, the RM5 will be credited into their ShopeePay account within 5 working days.

ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that will fulfil your payments needs both online and offline. Today, ShopeePay is accepted nationwide and covers a variety of services including shopping malls, grocery stores, F&B and petrol stations, with popular merchants like Black Whale, Tealive, myNEWS, Carl’s Jr, Boat Noodle, TGI Fridays, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Caltex, MR DIY and Mydin.

The Activate ShopeePay Premium campaign comes ahead of the Ministry of Finance’s recently announced eBelia programme which will provide youths aged between 18 and 20 as well as Malaysians who are studying full-time at a higher education institution the opportunity to claim RM150 in e-wallet credit starting from 1 June 2021.

Students who choose to claim the RM150 eBelia credit via ShopeePay can expect to receive even more benefits that are not to be missed! With something big coming your way, be prepared and activate your ShopeePay Premium account today. Check out at https://shopee.com.my/m/activate-verify-shopeepay

Unilever And Shopee Join Hands To Foster Cleaner Communities In Southeast Asia

Global consumer goods company, Unilever, and Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in the region, today announced new efforts to increase sustainability awareness and expand access to greener home care products for consumers in six markets across Southeast Asia.

As part of Unilever’s Clean Future strategy, both parties will build on their long-standing partnership, to implement consumer-focused sustainability initiatives, with the launch of the ‘Clean Home. Clean Nation.’ programme on Shopee. This will start off with a regional Super Brand Day campaign on 21 May showcasing Unilever’s Home Care portfolio, encouraging shoppers to make a positive impact towards a cleaner environment. There will also be an always-on shop page on Unilever’s Shopee store, dedicated to encouraging awareness and the use of more environmentally friendly products.

A portion of Unilever’s Home Care orders on Super Brand Day will go towards community cleaning activities in partnership with local NGOs and charities. These activities will range from the cleaning of more than 4,000 mosques in Indonesia, to donating Unilever’s Home Care products such as Breeze, Sunlight, Comfort and Cif to underprivileged families in Malaysia. A video educating consumers about the threat of plastic pollution to the environment will also be shared on Shopee and promoted through social media channels.

Deepening education through online channels

The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a rapid shift to e-commerce, with online retail penetration increasing by 1.5 times across Southeast Asia in one year - which, pre-pandemic, had been forecast to happen in five years. In parallel, there is an accelerated trend of shoppers in the region increasingly voicing their concerns about the environment, specifically around plastic waste, when making purchasing decisions. In Indonesia, the number of environmentally conscious shoppers grew by 112% between 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, 69% of shoppers in Southeast Asia say they try to buy from companies that show a genuine concern for the environment, whilst 38% of consumers have stopped buying from brands for their negative environmental impact. This suggests an opportunity for companies to take the lead in making sustainable products and initiatives more accessible through products and online channels.

"The pandemic has supercharged the digital retail landscape and Unilever believes e-commerce is a critical platform to answer consumer demand for sustainable options that are readily available and provide excellent value. We are delighted to partner with Shopee in this meaningful long-term collaboration that allows us to reach more consumers in Southeast Asia with sustainable products and initiatives via Shopee’s unrivalled consumer reach and insights," said Deepak Subramanian, Vice President of Home Care for Southeast Asia, Unilever.

"Shopee is pleased to collaborate with a purpose-driven company such as Unilever, to help achieve their sustainability goals and give back to our communities. With a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and trends in each market, Shopee will work with Unilever to develop localised initiatives that will help to raise awareness and encourage our shoppers to do their part in creating a cleaner and greener community for everyone. We look forward to driving more of such meaningful initiatives with our brand partners in future,” said Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director at Shopee.

To further reach the 400 million internet users every day in Southeast Asia, Unilever and Shopee will continue to provide home care content and drive sustainability education at scale by tapping on Shopee’s suite of marketing and engagement tools such as Shopee Live and affiliate networks.

Transforming lives through cleaner homes in Malaysia this Super Brand Day

In Malaysia, Unilever and Shopee are officially launching the 'Clean Home. Clean Malaysia.' Super Brand Day campaign, with a mission to support local communities by ensuring they have clean and hygienic places to live in. Through the offering of an innovative assortment of home cleaning products, the partnership aims to make eco-consciousness a default and easy action for all Malaysians.

Committed to supporting vulnerable local communities, Unilever will also be helping underprivileged families through a collaboration with HOPE worldwide Malaysia. Ongoing till 21 May, shoppers purchasing any Unilever Home Care products during the campaign will contribute to a donation of RM100,000 worth of homecare products to 600 underprivileged homes.

"At Unilever, we are committed to doing our part in protecting the environment. On top of our existing commitments to reduce our environmental impact, we also want to give consumers more access to environmentally friendly products. We hope that through this Clean Home. Clean Malaysia. programme with Shopee, we are one step closer to achieving our Clean Future ambitions," said Marcos Nakagawa, General Manager, Unilever Malaysia and Singapore.

Creating a Cleaner Future together

The “Clean Home. Clean Nation.” initiative in Southeast Asia is inspired by Unilever’s global Clean Future strategy announced last year, which has led to the consumer goods company transforming the production of many of its home care portfolio to be more sustainable now and for the future.

Unilever’s Subramanian said: “Unilever’s Clean Future strategy is a ground-breaking programme that will reshape our Home Care portfolio into an even more sustainable one. We are excited to work with Shopee to reach new consumers, share our vision of cleaner homes, and empower consumers with information and sustainable choices to build a clean future – wherever they are on their sustainability journey. The ‘Clean Home. Clean Nation.’ campaign is just one step towards creating change in Southeast Asia, and we look forward to working closely with our e-commerce partners to realise our vision of a Clean Future for all.”

Systema Pledges To ‘Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums & Teeth’ with Malaysia

You are probably among the 94 percent of Malaysian adults with gum disease based on data from the National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2010. The main cause of gum disease is plaque, a soft sticky film containing billions of bacteria. When plaque builds up between teeth, along the gum line and inside gum pockets, the harmful substance caused by bacteria build up will damage the gum tissue.

In a recent study conducted by Lion Corporation on 450 Malaysian adults showed 80% of respondents had at least one visible sign or symptom of gum disease, the most common being bleeding and swollen gums, but only 1% realised that they have gum disease.

Oral health has a strong and proven relationship to systemic health. Research studies show corelations between gum disease and general health including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,and most recently Alzheimer’s disease. Preventive oral health measures such as early detection and treatment of gum disease can change the oral disease continuum, a means to address the cumulative public health burden.

Systema, the gum health expert from Japan is working with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), and the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) on a Corporate Social Responsibility campaign to help the public Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth, continuing and increasing its collaborative efforts of previous years.

The campaign aims to educate Malaysians and continue to uplift their oral care practices, working towards better gum health for all by reaching more than 2 million people with fact-based and research-supported oral health information and free dental check-up to gradually reduce gum disease among adults by identifying and preventing oral health problems like gum disease before they become more serious.

The holistic CSR campaign includes the contribution of 10,000 trial size Systema toothpaste for the public, 9,000 full-sized Systema toothpastes for oral health frontliners, an interactive website www.gumhealthcheck.com that provides education on the signs and symptoms of gum disease, and a free gum health check assessment tool, free dental checks-up via participating MDA member clinics, engaging educational and awareness raising activities on social media and deeply discounted Systema products to bring quality oral health products within everyone’s reach.

Gum disease is highly prevalent, yet preventable. There is a serious lack of awareness of gum disease and its potential to impact quality of life, and its link to other major diseases as well. Collectively we need to help the nation improve its gum health to reduce the cumulative public health burden. Research studies show corelations between gum disease and heart disease and diabetes. If early detection and treatment of gum disease can help to lower corelations of these life-threatening diseases, we should explore it. Diabetes and heart disease are also known co-morbidities for COVID-19. Malaysians need to recognise the signs and symptoms of gum disease so that they know when something is wrong and can seek help.

Systema and MDA is looking forward to provide support in contributing products, educational materials, online and in-clinic dental check-ups, social media support and services to aid the public at this time when public dental clinics are stretched. This campaign can help the Oral Health Programme, MOH to educate more people on the critical need for better gum care and oral health, equip them with products, and channel them to free dental health check-ups for assessment.

Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Senior General Manager, Ms Carmen Foo highlighted Systema’s social purpose of creating higher awareness of oral health for healthy gum and a lifetime of healthy teeth, moreso as the world grapples with the pandemic.

“The pandemic has held us in ‘survival mode’ for almost a year, but now it is time to refocus on important issues such as gum health again. Healthy gums and teeth are vital for better quality of life, so let’s ‘Gumbatte’! Systema can help by making more people aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, that it can often be reversed during early stages by simply brushing teeth and gums twice a day,”said Ms Foo.

“This CSR campaign has measurable goals that can be used to assess its effectiveness across the public and front liners, providing data on what works so that we can provide more targeted support in future to improve oral health outcomes. Tens of thousands of people can do online gum health assessments, and those who require can have free dental check-ups via MDA member clinics. The Systema Gumbatte campaign in 2019 resulted in almost 50,000 people taking the online gum health check, and more than 10,000 visits to participating MDA member clinics for free dental check-ups.,” Ms Foo explained.

The Malaysian Dental Association, Honorary General Secretary Dr Chong Zhen Feng shared that since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the general public putting off routine dental check-ups, dental professionals have noticed the decrease in patients’ attendance. This will inadvertently delay any prompt management and may even lead to worsening of oral diseases.

“The MDA has been partnered with Systema on oral health campaigns, year after year. In Malaysia, gum disease is highly prevalent due to the low awareness on the importance of good oral health care. Through the Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth campaign, we wish to provide oral health care education across the country with the aim of improving the gum health and the general health of the nation. The number of people we will be able to impact by this initiative is very encouraging.

“Take control of your oral health by visiting, the website: www.gumhealthcheck.com to assess your gum status, and if needed, please visit our participating Malaysian Dental Association member dental clinics for your free dental check-up. ” He said that the members of the Malaysian Dental Association will be providing free dental check-up in support of the campaign, and it is recommended that everyone visit their dentist at least twice a year.

The Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth campaign plays on the Japanese motivational cry of ‘Ganbatte’ that means ‘you can do it’ as a rallying call to get Malaysians to take charge of their oral health, even during the pandemic. Visit www.gumhealthcheck.com to take your online gum health check, today.

The Wolf Kicks Off The “Malaysia Tour” Hybrid Book Sale

Book-lovers, brace yourselves! Dubbed as The World’s Biggest Book Sale, the BIG BAD WOLF Book Sale is back and ready to kick off the ‘Malaysia Tour’ after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. Fans of BIG BAD WOLF Books will be thrilled to know that the much-awaited Book Sale is returning with a Hybrid Sale combining both on-ground Book Sale event together with the Online Book Sale. The Book Sale will be held at the Tropicana Gardens Mall, Level 3A Convention Centre, Kota Damansara, and simultaneously goes live online via its e-commerce website from the 29th of April to the 10th of May, 2021.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Convention Centre recently, Andrew Yap, Co-Founder and Managing Director of BIG BAD WOLF Books, said, “We are extremely excited and thrilled to be back on home ground after having hosted our first Hybrid Sale in Johor Bahru recently. Due to the popular response received from our first Hybrid Sale, we decided that we should meet our fans once again hence the launch of the ‘Malaysia Tour’ Hybrid Book Sale.”

“We’re also delighted to be partnering with Tropicana Gardens Mall and being their first BIG BAD WOLF Book Sale at Tropicana Gardens Convention Centre to hold our on-ground Book Sale in Selangor that will be open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Simultaneously, our Online Book Sale’ e-commerce website will be going live 24 hours daily to cater to our customers nationwide.”

“There are amazing deals such the ‘1SEN Deal’ on offer for the Hybrid Book Sale as well as free shipping within Peninsular Malaysia with a net purchase of RM180 and 50% off shipping with a minimum spend of RM80,” added Yap.

Andrew Ashvin, Managing Director of Tropicana Gardens Mall, added, “It is our pleasure and privilege to host the return of the BIG BAD WOLF Book Sale at Tropicana Gardens Mall. As always, we are committed to ensuring the best shopping experience for our shoppers by observing SOPs in our aim to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish to thank Andrew Yap, Jacqueline Ng, and their team who have worked tirelessly to organize this event with much priority on the wellbeing of our shoppers and employees. We’re looking forward to a safe and successful event.”

With books available from up to 99% off the recommended retail price, customers will be spoilt for choice as BIG BAD WOLF Books offers more than 60,000 book titles ranging from popular novels to science fiction, romance, literature, graphic art, and business books to architecture, cookbooks, and many more.

Fans of BIG BAD WOLF Books who are unable to visit the Book Sale at Tropicana Gardens Mall or prefer to shop from the comfort of their own homes may join in the Book Sale by adding books into their cart online. The BIG BAD WOLF Online Book Sale e-commerce website will be available live 24 hours a day at https://online.shopbigbadwolfbooks.com/. Online shoppers surely would not want to miss bountiful discounts and promotions made available throughout the Sale.

BIG BAD WOLF Books and Tropicana Gardens Mall highly prioritizes the safety and hygiene of those visiting the Book Sale. Preventive safety SOPs measures and precautions enforced by the Government of Malaysia will be adhered to at all times. Customers entering the Sale will be constantly monitored to ensure that they wear a mask and maintain a safe distance from one another while shopping. Hand sanitizer ‘stations’ will be placed throughout the Convention Centre hall. In-house personnel will ensure that all the trolleys be regularly sanitized throughout the day and conduct temperature checks at the entrance