KOTA KINABALU: Students and families in a rural village in Sabah who used to have to contend with darkness and inconsistent water supply can now enjoy a better quality of life with Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd coming in to offer solutions.
The company, a joint venture between PETRONAS Gas Bhd and Yayasan Sabah recently delivered solar-powered solutions to a rural school and village there, providing clean water for students and reliable electricity for residents.
“Before this, we used oil lamps. But with the solar power provided by Kimanis Power, I can now study at night without worrying about the lights going out,” said Delvi Sulinah, a student from Kampung Pakiak, Sipitang.
The company partnered with the Sabah Rural Development Ministry to instal solar photovoltaic systems for 35 households, a community hall, and religious facilities, benefiting approximately 190 villagers in this village.
For the school at SK Mandalipau in Limbahau, Papar, a solar-powered water harvesting system now ensures a steady supply of clean water for 52 pupils and 17 teachers.
The new system improves daily school operations and creates a more supportive learning environment.
To further assist the pupils, the company also donated school bags, learning materials, and sports equipment for the 2026 academic year.
The facilities handover ceremonies, which took place in November and December 2025 respectively, were attended by representatives from the State Education Department, Sabah's Rural Development Ministry, Yayasan Sabah Group, PETRONAS and the beneficiaries.
"This reflects strong collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and local communities to advance rural development and sustainability," said Kimanis Power chief executive officer Rozali Khamis.
“These initiatives reflect our responsibility to give back and uplift communities by creating long-term, sustainable impact by providing essential utilities, supporting education, and promoting renewable energy solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
This initiative supports the objectives of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan 2040, which aim to achieve full electrification of remote areas and encourage renewable energy adoption, he added.
