Star Golden Hearts Award winner gives power to the people for a brighter future

Thanks to Tonibung's micro hydro project, rural communities in Sabah now have access to electricity. — Photos: Tonibung

SABAHAN farmer Marius Limat used to spend RM240 monthly to power his home with a petrol generator set. Four hours a day, this noisy contraption would hum away, providing electricity for the appliances in his humble abode in Kampung Buayan, Penampang.

“Those were tough times,” reminisced Marius, 45, in an email interview. “I remember having to charter a four-wheel drive just to purchase petrol from the nearest station. Paying between RM15 and RM20 for 3.7 litre of petrol was expensive, leaving us unable to afford fuel at times. We had to rely on candles and torchlights at night,”