British American Tobacco Malaysia - Communities, Social Impact and Well-being
BAT Malaysia recognises the role and responsibility it has that goes beyond its commercial and legal obligations to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the community that it operates in.
Our approach to community investment is localised to address the specific needs of Malaysian communities. In 2022, we assessed these needs by conducting desktop research and engaging with our stakeholders to understand the issues faced by communities in Malaysia.
Driving positive impact for the community for A Better Tomorrow™
Our flagship community investment programme, Beyond Benih, means 'beyond seeds' in English. In line with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s Urban Community Garden Policy, we developed a methodology to help communities establish farm gardens for sustainable food production. This methodology is formalised into a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), providing clear guidelines for all involved.
Launched in 2022, Beyond Benih focuses on enhancing food security for B40 communities in Malaysia. By supporting community-led farm gardens, the programme empowers B40 communities to grow their own fruits and vegetables, promoting resilience.
Beyond Benih started with two pilot projects in 2022, followed by a national expansion in 2023, officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia on 11 August 2023. Since inception, the programme has expanded to 22 community gardens across eight states.
Building on this progress, a new concept – the Mega Garden – has been developed. This centralised five-acre farm is designed to support multiple surrounding communities. Initial work on the first pilot Mega Garden began in 2025, with implementation set to continue into 2026.
An additional 10 gardens will also be introduced in new locations to further expand programme’s reach nationwide.
Employee Volunteer Programme
A key to our success is the involvement of our employees. Through our Employee Volunteer Programme, team members spent half a day at farm gardens, working alongside members of the Resident Associations to maintain the gardens and build essential infrastructure.
By encouraging community collaboration and self-reliance, Beyond Benih is more than just a food security programme—it’s a step towards building a more sustainable, resilient future for vulnerable communities.
