In the hills of Kota Belud, rural families in Kampung Nagarai Tuguson, Kota Belud, are experiencing how sustainable development can transform lives with a new gravity-fed water system that now brings clean, reliable water to their homes, made possible through HEINEKEN Cares by HEINEKEN Malaysia and the dedicated efforts of Hopes Malaysia.
The project, completed by Hopes Malaysia in mid-2025, marks another milestone in HEINEKEN Malaysia’s journey to empower rural communities through long-term, sustainable initiatives. The installation of upgraded piping, storage tanks, and a strengthened water catchment system now ensures a consistent flow of clean water for 41 families. For villagers who once relied on collecting water from distant or unsafe sources, the difference has brought meaningful improvement — enabling better access for farming, cleaning, and daily living.
“At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we believe that real progress happens when communities are empowered to take charge of their future. Through HEINEKEN Cares, we go beyond aid; we invest in long-term solutions that improve lives and strengthen resilience. Together with partners like Hopes Malaysia, we’re turning purpose into action, ensuring our Brew a Better World ambition creates lasting impact for people, communities, and the planet,” said Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia.
Tackling Water Insecurity Through Sustainable Infrastructure
Before this project, 210 remote villagers often faced dry taps and water rationing during hot weather due to broken piping and the absence of storage infrastructure. Working closely with the Hopes Malaysia team, the community replaced damaged pipelines and built proper infrastructure for a centralised water-tank system, improving both pressure and distribution throughout the village. Today, every household in the village receives a steady water supply.
“For years, we struggled with weak water flow, especially during droughts. We had to collect or buy water to survive. Now, we have clean water right at home for all our needs; it’s a big relief for our families. We are thankful to no longer worry about having sufficient water to drink, clean, or cook,” shared Puan Julita, a villager from Kampung Nagarai Tuguson.
The sustainable design of the system allows villagers to manage and maintain it independently, ensuring long-term resilience. The improved water access also enables residents to expand sustainable farming and other livelihood activities, contributing to greater self-sufficiency.
Growing with Sabah: A Partnership that Evolves
The collaboration between HEINEKEN Malaysia and Hopes Malaysia reflects a multi-year effort to build sustainable, community-driven solutions in Sabah’s rural heartlands. What began as food aid during the pandemic has evolved into long-term empowerment initiatives:
2021 – Food aid for 260 beneficiaries across welfare homes and families, supplying 11,475 kg of fresh produce sourced from local farmers.
2022 – Kampung Pinolobuh Gravity Water Project: repaired a 5 km water pipeline benefiting over 1,000 villagers and introduced sustainable farming for 30 families.
2023 – Kampung Kiau Taburi: restored clean water access for 1,050 villagers through upgraded piping and new HDPE storage tanks.
2024–2025 – Kampung Nagarai Tuguson: installed new water infrastructure benefiting 210 villagers and marking a new phase of sustainable impact.
“Through the years of partnership with HEINEKEN Malaysia, we’ve witnessed how sustained collaboration can transform lives. HEINEKEN Cares has brought clean water, access to food, and livelihood opportunities to rural families across Kota Belud, Sabah, helping them rise above hardship and build a better future. Together, we’re not just changing villages; we’re changing the story of rural resilience in Sabah,” said Aaron Bosuang, Public Relations Executive of Hopes Malaysia.
Beyond One-Off Aid: Building Long-Term Resilience
Since 2017, HEINEKEN Malaysia has positively impacted more than 2,500 rural lives across Sabah through partnerships with NGOs such as Hopes Malaysia, SIROM, and Kupi Kupi FM. The programme supports projects that go beyond short-term aid, focusing on infrastructure that improves quality of life, strengthens food and water security, and fosters sustainable livelihoods.
Guided by its Brew a Better World 2030 sustainability strategy, these ongoing efforts contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The HEINEKEN Cares programme reflects the company’s belief that lasting impact is achieved through collaboration, values, and shared purpose.
“Seeing how clean water transforms daily life reminds us that change doesn’t always begin with something big; it begins with care and purpose. That’s what HEINEKEN Cares stands for. Every project is a story of renewed hope and progress, and together with our partners, we’re proud to make a real difference in the communities we touch,” added Renuka.
Further information on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s initiatives can be found at HEINEKEN Malaysia’s official website https://www.heinekenmalaysia.com/.
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