KUALA LUMPUR - In the spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines Ramadan, global beverage company Coca-Cola is stepping up efforts to support asnaf families and underserved communities while bringing people together through meaningful initiatives.
Coca-Cola Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability (PACS) Director for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Khairul Anwar said the company has rolled out several community-driven programmes throughout the holy month, including distributing food to asnaf and underprivileged groups.
Among the efforts is a collaboration with Yayasan Ikhlas to channel food aid to those in need.
“We are also working with Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan to provide food baskets for asnaf families in Hulu Langat.
“In addition, we have partnered with Lotus’s to prepare food baskets and organise iftar programmes for gig workers, particularly food delivery riders,” he told Sinar Daily during the Community Iftar Programme 2026 held at Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad here on Sunday.
Khairul said the initiatives reflect Coca-Cola’s broader commitment to making a positive impact beyond its beverages.
“Coca-Cola is not just about our products, but also about how we can bring positive change to the communities where we operate.
“Wherever there is an opportunity for us to make a positive difference, we will stand together with the community in Malaysia,” he said.
He added that hosting a community iftar at a mosque carries special significance as mosques serve as more than places of worship, they are vibrant spaces where communities gather and strengthen bonds.
"A mosque is not only a place for prayer but also a community centre where people gather and strengthen relationships.
"That is why we see organising an iftar programme at a mosque as an opportunity to engage with the community and provide added value, especially during Ramadan,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Sinar Harian for its collaboration in making the programme a success, noting that the initiative goes beyond providing meals for breaking fast and helps bring positive change to society.
Over 2,000 attend community iftar
The Community Iftar Programme 2026 at Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad drew more than 2,000 attendees from across Kuala Lumpur, including non-Muslims who joined in the shared experience of breaking fast together.
Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad Chief Executive Mohd Hariz Jamil said the mosque typically receives between 1,000 and 1,300 congregants on weekdays, with numbers increasing to nearly 2,500 on weekends.
“Alhamdulillah, with programmes like this, food sponsorship from Coca-Cola Malaysia and Fanta, along with assistance from Sinar Harian, we were able to prepare nearly 2,600 food packs for all congregants present.
“This exceeds the usual capacity of around 1,500 to 1,600 packs, ensuring that everyone who attended was able to enjoy the iftar meal,” he said.
Preparations for Ramadan began early, with the mosque opening volunteer registrations about a month before the fasting month.
The programme attracted students from universities and schools, as well as members of the local community and mosque staff.
“Every day, we prepare an additional 20 to 30 volunteers to ensure the programme runs smoothly. The Masjid Jamek committee also actively helps with Ramadan preparations, including inviting the people of Kuala Lumpur to break fast at the mosque.
“This year marks the second year Coca-Cola Malaysia has collaborated with the mosque to distribute food to the public for iftar.
“This effort also nurtures compassion in society. A hadith mentions that giving gifts strengthens affection and that is what we are doing today - bringing the community together,” he added.
He said the mosque ensures different meals are prepared each day, focusing on local and traditional Malay dishes, while also ensuring there is enough food and that any surplus is distributed for moreh.
“This programme not only benefits locals but also welcomes international guests from countries such as France, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Italy and Spain,” he said.
He also highlighted the history of Masjid Jamek, which was built in 1909, granted Tanah Kurnia by Selangor in 1974 and has since become an important community centre in Kuala Lumpur.