Mr. Dion Warren, Area Head of Takeda India & Southeast Asia
Mr. Nishimaki Akira, President of KAO Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Mr. Nishida Masahide, President Skin Care Business, KAO Corporation
His Excellency (Mr.) Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia
Yang Berhormat Puan Jamaliah Binti Jamaluddin, EXCO Public Health & Environment Selangor State
Mr. Kamiya Mitsutoshi, Vice President Health & Beauty Care Asia (Int’l) Business, KAO Corporation
Ms. Tan Poh Ling, Vice President of Marketing, KAO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Dr. Lynette Moey, Country General Manager, Takeda Malaysia & Singapore
KAO Malaysia has officially launched its new Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum, formulated with unique anti-landing technology to prevent mosquitoes from landing on the skin to feed. The launch coincides with the expansion of KAO Malaysia’s GUARD OUR FUTURE project globally, which aims to protect future lives from mosquitoes.
The innovative product provides a cover protection shield, keeping mosquitoes away from people’s skin and preventing bites. The Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum was first introduced in Thailand two years ago and has since been launched in Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum was develop using a repellent technology that makes the skin surface repellent to mosquitoes. The non-greasy product, similar to body lotion, provides coverage on the skin without being sticky and is as comfortable to apply as serum. The technology differs from conventional insect repellents, which typically use volatile active ingredients like DEET or Picaridin. The product offers up to 8 hours of protection and is available in two fragrances (Fresh Lavender and Sweet Blossom) at a recommended retail price of RM24.90 for a 100g tube. It will be available at major pharmacies and retailers nationwide.
| Product | Type | Amount of content | Price |
| Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum | Fresh Lavender | 100g | RM24.90 |
| Sweet Blossom |
KAO Malaysia is collaborating with the Selangor State Government and Takeda Malaysia to protect Malaysians against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. The collaboration aims to drive forward the company’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, and achieve a sustainable society while enhancing its business and minimizing risks. The launch of the new Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum and the GUARD OUR FUTURE project are key progress towards achieving this vision.
Mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on Earth, with one million people dying annually from mosquito-borne infectious diseases. In Southeast Asia, children are particularly vulnerable to dengue fever. KAO Malaysia’s GUARD OUR FUTURE project aligns with its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan (KLP), which focuses on consumers and resolving key social issues while achieving business growth.
Dengue fever has been a significant societal issue in Malaysia and Southeast Asia for years, with global warming and urbanization increasing mosquito habitats and increasing dengue fever occurrences. KAO Malaysia’s President, Nishimaki Akira, aims to synergize efforts and expand on the promise of GUARD OUR FUTURE in containing and eradicating the disease.
KAO’s Bioré brand offers products that protect skin from environmental stress factors, based on the idea that the skin is the “human interface” that connects people to others and society. Bioré offers a range of skin protection products against UV rays, intense heat, and infectious diseases.
KAO will promote the GUARD OUR FUTURE project to become an essential company in a sustainable society through company-wide endeavors to protect future lives. The new Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum is a mosquito repellent based on repellent technology that makes the skin surface repulsive to mosquitoes, reducing infection caused by mosquitoes by protecting the skin.
Dengue cases in Malaysia have surged by 86.3% in 2023, with 123,133 cases reported, and 78.6% in dengue-related deaths, with Selangor having the highest concentration. In Q1 2024, 41,565 cases and 28 deaths were attributed to dengue fever complications. KAO Malaysia has pledged to match the donation of Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum units with the number of active dengue fever cases in Selangor, resulting in over 61,080 units worth RM15.90 per 50g unit. The donated units will be distributed until June 2025 at all activities in conjunction with GUARD OUR FUTURE, including programs and campaigns related to dengue, to be implemented by the Selangor State Government and related agencies.
“The Selangor State Government through the Selangor State Public Health Committee will implement the Dengue Prevention Program in Selangor with KAO (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd by providing education and exposure to the public about the dangers of dengue fever. We will also be sharing preventive measures that need to be carried out following the increase in dengue fever cases in the State of Selangor,” said YB Puan Jamaliah Binti Jamaluddin, Public Health and Environment EXCO, Selangor State Government.
“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,” added YB Puan Jamaliah.
From today until December 2024, GUARD OUR FUTURE will engage with the community through various means including:
- MoA signing with the Selangor State Government and MoU signing with Takeda Malaysia
- Awareness talks about the dangers of dengue fever and ways to prevent and reduce transmission, in addition to community engagement in 50 selected schools
- Three community clean-up sessions in selected dengue hotspots in Selangor state