Heineken empowers Sabah communities

Heineken Malaysia is driving sustainable change in rural Sabah, empowering over 7,000 community members through clean water systems, organic farming, and women’s empowerment initiatives.

In partnership with NGOs and local radio station KupiKupi FM, the brewer has delivered life-changing improvements to eight villages, fostering self-sufficiency and community growth.

Since 2017, the Heineken Cares programme has developed rainwater harvesting and gravity-fed water systems to ensure reliable water access.

“I still remember carrying water from the river,” said Stefban Sindeh of Kampung Kiau Taburi.

“Today, we have water for daily needs, crops, and fish farming. This has transformed our lives.”

Transforming lives with clean water systems

Access to clean water has revolutionised daily life in Sabah’s rural areas.

Through collaborations with Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM) and Hopes Malaysia, Heineken has installed eight water systems across villages.

These systems provide consistent water supplies, critical during dry seasons.

The initiative trains villagers to maintain the systems, promoting long-term sustainability. For some, the systems even connect to community farms, supporting agriculture and fish farming.

This ensures not only clean water for households but also resources for income-generating activities.

“Our partners helped us transition from hardship to sustainability,” Stefban added, highlighting the profound impact on his village’s well-being and resilience.

Empowering Sabah women through organic farming

Heineken’s efforts extend beyond water access, targeting financial independence for women in rural communities.

Collaborating with SIROM, the company established an organic farm spanning two acres in Kampung Gana.

This farm is irrigated through a gravity-fed water system, enabling women to cultivate crops such as leafy greens, corn, and tomatoes.

Laisah Udan, Head of Kampung Gana Women’s Association, shared, “With Heineken and SIROM’s support, we’ve started farming and selling our produce at the market.

It’s empowering to provide for our families while earning an income.”

Close to 40 women have been trained in organic farming techniques.

These skills not only enhance household nutrition but also create opportunities for financial independence, strengthening the fabric of the community.

Heineken’s initiatives in Sabah reflect its long-term commitment to sustainable development through the Heineken Cares programme.

As the programme enters its latest phase in November 2024, the company is partnering with four NGOs to address water access and food security.

For every RM10 donated, Heineken Malaysia will contribute an additional RM40, amplifying the impact of each contribution.

“Our goal is to empower communities, enabling them to thrive independently,” said a programme spokesperson.

Support these life-changing efforts by visiting sokong.org/campaigns/heineken-cares-2024 and contributing to a brighter future for rural communities.