Kao launches newly developed mosquito repellent

KUALA LUMPUR: Kao Malaysia has launched its new Bioré Guard Mos Block Serum, which is formulated to prevent mosquitoes from landing on the skin to feed.

The launch was held in conjunction with the expansion of its Guard Our Future project globally to protect future lives from mosquitoes.

The product was first introduced in Thailand two years ago and launched in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong this year.

As part of the project, Kao Malaysia will collaborate with the Selangor state government and Takeda Malaysia in a series of activities aimed at protecting the lives of Malaysians against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever.

“With the global landscape evolving rapidly and presenting new challenges, it is increasingly important that we drive forward our ESG strategy the Kirei Lifestyle Plan to realise a truly sustainable society while enhancing our business and minimising risks,” said Kao Corporation skin care business president Masahide Nishida at the collaborative partnership between Kao Malaysia, the Selangor state government and Takeda Malaysia.

“In 2023, we accelerated efforts towards our Mid-term Plan 2027 (K27) to realise our vision of ‘Protecting future lives — Sustainability as the only path’.

“Some key progress includes the launch of the new Bioré Guard Mos Block Serum as well as the Guard Our Future project which combines our technology and key partnerships to save future lives, the expansion of Guard Our Future into Malaysia is particularly timely considering the recent World Dengue Day observation on June 15.”

“Dengue fever has been a major societal issue not only here in Malaysia but also throughout Southeast Asia for many years,” said Kao Malaysia president Nishimaki Akira.

“Additionally, global warming and increasing urbanisation have also widened mosquitoes’ habitats and increased occurrences of dengue fever year on year.

“As part and parcel of Kao’s commitment to its strategy, we aim to synergise all efforts and expand on the promise of Guard Our Future in containing and eradicating the dengue menace to our communities.”

The new Bioré Guard Mos Block Serum is a mosquito repellent based on a repellent technology. This product is representative of Kao’'s commitment to solving social issues according to its vision to protect future lives.

Guard Our Future in Malaysia

In Malaysia, dengue cases have increased significantly, with 123,133 cases reported in 2023 —marking an 86.3% rise compared to the previous year.

Dengue-related deaths also increased by 78.6%, with the highest concentration of cases in Selangor. In the first quarter of 2024, there were 41,565 reported cases and 28 deaths attributed to dengue fever complications, showing a rise compared to the same period in 2023.

To kick off Guard Our Future in Malaysia, Kao Malaysia has pledged to match a donation of the newly launched Bioré Guard Mos Block Serum units with the number of active dengue fever cases in Selangor in 2023. This will add up to over 61,080 units of the product worth RM15.90 per 50g unit, amounting to RM971,172 in total.

The donated units will be distributed till June 2025 at all activities in conjunction with Guard Our Future, including programmes and campaigns related to dengue that will be implemented by the Selangor state government together with related agencies and departments. This implementation will be carried out in stages starting in July 2024.

“The Selangor state government through the Selangor State Public Health Committee will implement the Dengue Prevention Programme in Selangor with Kao (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd by providing education and exposure to the public about the dangers of dengue fever,” said Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.

“We will also be sharing preventive measures that need to be carried out following the increase in dengue fever cases in Selangor.”

She added: “As part of this programme, we will organise educational workshops and gotong-royong activities around Selangor together with Kao Malaysia along with the distribution of Bioré Guard Mos Block Serum to all participants.

“The Selangor state government welcomes cooperation with the private sector in public health programmes as a strategic step to increase the literacy level of the local community towards more effective and efficient public health care.

“This public-private partnership is also in line with the Selangor state government’s commitment in ensuring the health of the people of Selangor.”