Heineken Cares continues its multi-year push to uplift families in Kota Belud, focusing on sustainable water access, rural livelihoods, and community-driven development.
Heineken Malaysia’s long-running Heineken Cares initiative has deepened its commitment to rural empowerment in Sabah, with its latest project delivering a fully upgraded, gravity-fed water system to Kampung Nagarai Tuguson in Kota Belud. The effort, carried out in partnership with Hopes Malaysia, has already made a tangible difference for 41 families who previously relied on distant or unreliable water sources. The new system, completed in mid-2025, now provides clean, steady water directly to every home, improving daily life in ways both immediate and long-lasting.
For villagers who once endured rationing during dry spells or had to buy water just to get through the week, the transformation has been profound. With reinforced piping, new storage tanks, and a stabilized water catchment, the community now benefits from reliable pressure and a safer, more consistent supply, paving the way for better hygiene, more diverse farming activities, and increased economic resilience. As Heineken Malaysia notes, the project is not simply about installing infrastructure, but about empowering remote communities to take ownership of their development and strengthen their self-sufficiency over time.
WATER ACCESS THAT CHANGES DAILY LIFE
Before this initiative, the 210 residents of Kampung Nagarai Tuguson struggled with frequent shortages caused by broken pipes and a lack of proper storage systems. Hot weather often brought days of dry taps, forcing families to collect or purchase water. This led to ongoing hardship, particularly for households caring for children, the elderly, or those with limited mobility.
With technical guidance from Hopes Malaysia and hands-on involvement from the villagers, the community replaced damaged pipelines and constructed a centralized tank system designed for durability and ease of maintenance. The gravity-fed structure ensures that each household now receives a steady supply without the fear of sudden disruptions. For residents like Puan Julita, the change has eased years of strain. Having clean water at home has reduced daily burdens and allowed families to focus on work, education, and household responsibilities without the constant worry of scarcity.
The system’s sustainable design also supports local agriculture, enabling villagers to expand small-scale farming and diversify their produce. With improved access to water, residents are better positioned to grow crops that support both household consumption and supplementary income. Over time, these developments contribute to a stronger local economy rooted in skills and resources managed by the community.
A PARTNERSHIP SHAPED BY LONG-TERM IMPACT
Heineken Malaysia’s work with Hopes Malaysia has evolved significantly since it began during the pandemic. What started as food aid has grown into a collaborative, long-term programme focused on building stability through water access, sustainable farming, and livelihood development. Each year has marked a new stage in this progression.
In 2021, food support reached 260 beneficiaries across welfare homes and rural families, with more than 11,000 kilograms of fresh produce sourced from local farmers. The following year, Heineken Cares supported the repair of a five-kilometre water pipeline in Kampung Pinolobuh, restoring reliable access for over 1,000 villagers and helping set up sustainable farming initiatives for 30 families. In 2023, clean water access was restored for 1,050 residents in Kampung Kiau Taburi through upgraded piping and new HDPE tanks.
The work in Kampung Nagarai Tuguson represents the latest milestone and reflects the maturity of the partnership. As Hopes Malaysia explains, the cumulative progress across these villages demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration and the difference it makes when rural communities are given the support and tools they need to build their future. Each project strengthens resilience, reduces vulnerability to climate challenges, and provides a pathway out of long-standing hardship.
The Heineken Cares programme has now touched the lives of more than 2,500 people in Sabah, with projects carried out in partnership with NGOs including Hopes Malaysia, SIROM, and Kupi Kupi FM. All initiatives align with the company’s Brew a Better World 2030 sustainability strategy, contributing to United Nations SDGs related to clean water, food security, and community development. The focus remains firmly on infrastructure that villagers can maintain and adapt, ensuring that each project continues to deliver value long after implementation.
For Heineken Malaysia, these efforts reflect a belief in purposeful, community-led change. Clean water access, in particular, has proven transformative. It reshapes daily routines, improves health, and opens the door to more stable livelihoods. Through programmes like Heineken Cares, the company aims to ensure that meaningful impact is achieved by connecting resources, expertise, and community partnership.
Further information on Heineken Malaysia’s initiatives can be found on its official website.
