Transforming Lives in Kota Belud

1 December 2025

KOTA BELUD: In the hills of Kota Belud, rural families in Kampung Nagarai Tuguson are experiencing a transformative change as a new gravity-fed water system now supplies clean, reliable water directly to their homes. This achievement is part of HEINEKEN Cares, an initiative by HEINEKEN Malaysia, in partnership with Hopes Malaysia, dedicated to sustainable community development.

Completed in mid-2025, the project marks a significant milestone in HEINEKEN Malaysia’s commitment to empowering rural communities through long-term solutions. Upgraded piping, storage tanks, and an enhanced water catchment system now ensure a steady flow of clean water for 41 households. For villagers who previously relied on distant or unsafe water sources, this development has brought tangible improvements,  supporting farming, sanitation, and daily needs.

“At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we believe real progress happens when communities are empowered to shape their future. Through HEINEKEN Cares, we go beyond aid to invest in sustainable solutions that improve lives and build resilience. Partnering with Hopes Malaysia, we are turning purpose into action to create lasting impact,” said Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia.

Before this initiative, 210 villagers faced frequent water shortages and rationing during hot seasons due to broken pipelines and lack of infrastructure. Working closely with Hopes Malaysia, the community replaced damaged pipelines and constructed a centralised water tank system, significantly improving water pressure and distribution. Today, every household benefits from a reliable water supply.

Puan Julita, a villager from Kampung Nagarai Tuguson, shared, “We struggled with weak water flow and droughts. We had to buy or collect water for our daily needs. Now, we have clean water at home, it’s a huge relief for our families. We no longer have to worry about water for drinking, cleaning, or cooking.”

The system’s sustainable design allows villagers to manage and maintain it independently, ensuring long-term resilience. Improved water access also supports sustainable farming and livelihood activities, fostering greater self-sufficiency.

This collaboration between HEINEKEN Malaysia and Hopes Malaysia exemplifies a multi-year effort to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions in Sabah’s rural heartlands. What started as pandemic relief efforts has evolved into ongoing empowerment initiatives. In 2021, the programme provided food aid to 260 beneficiaries, delivering over 11,000 kilograms of fresh produce sourced from local farmers. In 2022, the Kampung Pinolobuhuh Water Project repaired a 5 km pipeline benefiting over 1,000 villagers and supported sustainable farming for 30 families.

The following year, in 2023, the Kampung Kiau Taburi community saw their water access restored through upgraded piping and new storage tanks. From 2024 to 2025, the focus shifted to upgrading water infrastructure in Kampung Nagarai Tuguson, directly benefiting 210 families.

“Through years of partnership, we’ve seen how sustained collaboration can truly change lives. HEINEKEN Cares has delivered clean water, food, and livelihood opportunities, helping rural families rise above hardship and build brighter futures,” said Aaron Bosuang, Public Relations Executive of Hopes Malaysia.

Since 2017, HEINEKEN Malaysia has positively impacted over 2,500 rural lives across Sabah through collaborations with NGOs like Hopes Malaysia, SIROM, and Kupi Kupi FM. Their initiatives focus on long-term infrastructure development, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with the company’s Brew a Better World 2030 sustainability strategy and the United Nations SDGs.

Renuka added, “Seeing how clean water transforms daily life reminds us that change begins with care and purpose. Through HEINEKEN Cares, we are proud to create stories of hope and progress, making a real difference in the communities we serve.”