In Sabah, there are still many communities living without electricity, which hampers their socio-economic development. Rural electrification through ‘conventional methods’ such as grid connection and diesel generators are not only costly but also results in emissions that are harmful to human health and the environment.

In today’s era of information and communication technology, electricity supply is the most essential infrastructure for development. The supply of electricity is also key in providing job opportunity and vital income for village residents.

In light of this, DiGi Telecommunications and Tonibung (or Friends of Village Development) recently joined forces to support and fund a micro-hydro project in Kampung Lumpagas (Kg.Lumpagas), Sabah. Kg.Lumpagas is a Murut community village of 131 people and is situated on the border of Sabah and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Once completed, the supply of electricity will reduce the dependency on diesel generators thus offsetting the trend of burning and emission of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants that contribute to the climatic changes in the region. The micro hydro system will provide basic lighting and power communal freezers that are essential for this subsistence community to keep their fish and meat fresh. The available energy can also create socio economic spinoffs through small scale food processing and other cottage industry in the community.

The project, which is scheduled be completed by June this year will cost approximately RM160,000 and generate up to 3kW of electricity.

DiGi’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, Vimal Kumar said: “For the first time, the villagers of Kg.Lumpagas will harness water from a nearby river to generate electricity, a focus which is in line with the 9^th Malaysia plan on rural electrification.

“The villagers will have access to a welcomed form of ‘clean energy’. In addition to that, the micro hydro system will also provide mechanical power to run agro processing tools such as rice mills and flourmills.  This system will gradually but certainly phase out the use of firewood, kerosene, diesel and petrol engines which contributes towards global warming.”

According to Adrian Lasimbang, Director of Tonibung: “The community will be involved in setting up the project although Tonibung will help in setting up the technical aspects of the system. Being part of this project will give the community a sense of ownership and the confidence to undertake, manage and mobilize their own people to work towards completing the micro hydro system. The village committee, through its project leader and supervisor, will contribute to the planning and design of the community capacity-building workshops to ensure that the ideas and needs from the communities are accounted for.”

This project is part of DiGi’s Deep Green initiative which addresses energy efficiency within the company’s business and broader areas of sustainability with related stakeholders.

2 Responses to “Happenings: DiGi and Tonibung Powers Kampung Lumpagas”

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