Abidin (second left) showing the lighted bulb to a happy house owner (left), watched by Pascal (second right) and others.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 24): Hibiscus Malaysia, the operational arm of Hibiscus Petroleum here, yesterday officially handed over mini hydro and solar energy systems to 124 homes in Kampung Paus, Ranau and neighbouring Sg Sepi through a sponsorship as part of their community support initiatives.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Mandingkir, who is also Paignatan assemblyman, graced the historic occasion and officiated the handing over ceremony at Kg Paus Community Hall which was attended by the recipients and their family members.
Country Head for Hibiscus Malaysia and Vietnam, Dr Pascal Hos represented his company at the colourful ceremony, announced that he had followed the progress of this project closely through updates at their management meetings, and he was eager to see for himself the impact it has made on the lives of the residents here.
“Seeing your warm smiles as I arrived reaffirms the importance of this initiative. The four-and-a-half-hour journey here was well worth it, knowing that this project has brought meaningful change to your community,” he remarked in his speech.
Hibiscus Petroleum is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Malaysia. Over the past 13 years, they have built a diverse portfolio, with assets in Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia and Vietnam.
Their operations in Malaysia, now branded as Hibiscus Malaysia, encompass offshore assets in North Sabah, Labuan and Terengganu waters. While their core business is oil and gas, they believe in giving back to the communities where they operate.
Pascal said that this project to provide electricity to Kampung Paus came to life thanks to a proposal from Light Up Borneo, an NGO dedicated to promoting access to electricity in Borneo’s remote interiors. Their vision, combined with their resources, made this collaboration possible.
“Datuk Abidin’s support was instrumental in making this project a reality, and we are deeply grateful for his encouragement. I would also like to commend B.K. Ong and his team of dedicated volunteers for their incredible work in installing 100 solar power systems and 24 mini hydro systems for the 124 households in Kampung Paus,” Pascal stated.
He continued: “Today, I see a transformed Kampung Paus. Where once there were dark nights, now there is light —lighting up homes, fostering learning environments for children, and providing families with opportunities for better livelihoods. With these energy systems in place, children can now study comfortably at night, families can enjoy improved quality of life, and the village as a whole is better equipped for a brighter future. This is the power of innovation and collaboration.”
He reminded the families receiving these systems to treat them as treasures.
“Use them wisely, follow the care guidelines, and ensure they are well-maintained. These systems are not just tools; they are stepping stones to a more empowered and secure future for Kampung Paus.”
He ended by reiterating that Hibiscus Malaysia was honored to have played a part in this life-changing journey. “We wish all the residents of Kg Paus all the best and look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects this project will bring to your community.”
Abidin in his address commended Hibiscus Malaysia for the sponsorship, adding that this access to electricity is certainly a life-changing moment for Kg Paus folks and it is rest assured that they are grateful and will remember the name of Hibiscus Malaysia in a very positive way for a long time.
“We are truly thankful to Hibiscus Malaysia for fast-tracking the access to electricity through your sponsorship of the mini hydro and solar energy systems to complement the government’s efforts in developing the rural community.”
He also expressed his thanks to B.K Ong, the coordinator of Light Up Borneo, and his team of volunteers for their preparation and installation of the two systems sponsored by Hibiscus Malaysia.
