Our Projects

Clean Rainwater
Read More

Fresh Water From The Ground
Read More

Rural Student Hostel
Read More

Locals Reach for Healthcare
Read More
One can’t possibly live without the basic physiological necessities of food, water, clothing, shelter and healthcare. Painfully in some rural areas, the access to these essentials are still limited. BEST Society helps provide people with resources focusing on medical assistance, clean water, better infrastructure and improved sanitation.
Past Projects
1996
Technical Assistance to Bavanggazo Longhouse
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO BAVANGGAZO LONGHOUSE
In 1996 Albert Teo/Borneo Eco Tours agreed to be their Honorary Advisor for a period of two years to help them.Many changes were instituted to improve the longhouse. These included:
- We help to create a new logo for the longhouse, design entrance tickets, letterhead, envelopes and arranged for printing of receipt books and stationery.
- We helped to revise the entrance fees for day trip and overnight stay and include in the package a free coconut drink, a Rungus necklace, and a Rungus cultural dance at a fixed price of RM35 per adult irrespective of the number of persons.
- We introduced changes to the rooms and the toilets including fixing hooks for clothes and towels, bamboo rack for the overnight bag/camera bag and slippers for guests. Outside the rooms, doors are numbered and labeled with names of local trees and explanation provided. Local materials were introduced for aesthetic purposes. Florescent lights were removed and replaced by oil lamps. Cushions were introduced for guests when they sit down on the bamboo flooring for meals for added comfort.
- In the toilets, taps were changed to shower heads and the height of the shower increased from the usual 5 ft to 7 ft for added comfort to tall tourists. Windows are added to increase both ventilation and light. The footpath between the BL and the toilets are improved with proper lightings, steps and plankwalk to minimise risk of accident especially at night.
- We helped them to buy a mobile phone so that they can take reservation from tour operators for any bookings. We helped to introduce a booking system and method of payment as well as salary scale for the few who were employed full time.
- Through the office of Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) I wrote to the government to improve the road condition and organised a fund raising project to purchase grass cutting machine, buckets, pails, oil lamps, and cushions for tourists. I arranged for Tanjung Aru Resort to donate their used bicycles to the longhouse cooperatives for them to rent to the tourists.
- We re-organized the sale of handicrafts that provided for incentives and employment.
- We also helped to print two new postcards and other promotional materials for them to sell and promote Bavanggazo Longhouse.
- We also brought six staff on an educational trip to Sukau Rainforest Lodge to show them how the lodge was run. With the help of MATTA we paid for the Manager to go on a four days educational tour to visit the Iban longhouses in Sarawak to better understand how cultural tourism is organised.
1997
Access To Clean Drinking Water for 16 Families
Access To Clean Drinking Water for 16 Families
In 1997/98 Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge raised RM12,080.00 to purchase 16 units of water tanks for the purpose of collecting rainwater for drinking purpose by the local Orang Sungai families in Sukau. Many villagers living outside Sukau village particularly those who live on the other side of the river have been depending on water from Kinabatangan River for their daily needs. Besides they also use the river for bathing, washing and disposal of human wastes. As a result many suffer from water-borne disease such as cholera and typhoid.With the implementation of this project the families will benefit from : –
The use of water tank which would have cost much more if ordered separately and delivered individually from Kota Kinabalu to Sukau.
Clean rain water for drinking purpose.
Improved health conditions with drinking of cleaner water.
Participate in social and economic development program of the government more effectively with better living and health condition.
Participate in our future home visitation ad home stay program in which we will bring tourists to have afternoon tea with the participating families and to stay overnight n those homes which have clean water supply.
Recipient Name | Donor Name |
Tilka Binti Tambong | Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort / Malaysia |
Chita Binti Saal | Biosfera Turismo s.r.l. / Italy |
Zomah Binti Itin | Jeanne Chin / Malaysia |
Bakri Bin Sakil | Holiday Tours / Sweden |
Bakar Bin Saipudin | Passport Travel Management Group / USA |
Khalid Bin Damit | Hauser Exkursionen International / Germany |
Hamzah Bin Empok | Bali & Orient Holidays / Canada |
Harun Bin Arsah | Safari Centre International. Inc. / USA |
Hassan Bin Arsah | Roland Fasel / Malaysia |
Kari Bin Ungong | Deep Discoveries / Canada |
Hj. Aniu Bin Hj. Harun | Intens Travel / Switzerland |
Magi Bin Darawi | Beringgis Beach Resort / Malaysia |
Jutra Binti Itinmalapi | Promenade Hotel / Malaysia |
Ghani Bin Manggang | Basel Christian Church of Malaysia / Penampang Cell / KK |
Asrah Bin Edris | Piebe & Alie Bylsma / Holland |
Jawita Binti Yusof | Canadian & New Yorker Friends |
The project was officially completed with the handing over of the water tanks by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, YB Datuk Wilfred Bumburing to the sixteen families at Sukau on 17th August 1998.
2000
38 Households in Sukau Received Water Tanks
38 Households in Sukau Received Water Tanks
Due to the success and meaningfulness of this project we decided to continue with Phase II in 1999/2000 in which we planned to raise RM30,400.00 to purchase water tanks for another 38 families we have identified . This will allow us to spread the benefits to even more families who do not have the privilege of using rain water nor pipe water for drinking purpose.Rotarian James Pang of Rotary Club, Tanjung Aru presenting the water tank during the ceremony on 19 March 2000 at Sukau.
No. | Recipient | Donor’s Name | I C Numbers |
1. | Asmah BT. Masri | Rotary Club of KK South | H0266729 |
2. | Atal B. Bak | Rotary Club of KK South | H0240478 |
3. | Awang B. Suratman | Rotary Club of KK South | H0420408 |
4. | Bahimah Bt. Sapiodin | Rotary Club of KK South | H0274529 |
5. | Binin B. Jaafar | Rotary Club of KK South | H0424127 |
6. | Baimah Bt. Masri | Rotary Club of KK South | H0266723 |
7. | Hamidin B. Braim | Jens Uwe Parkitny/Germany | H0726352 |
8. | Mazley B. Kapar | Billetkontoret, Denmark | H0918151 |
9. | Munaji B. Sarodiwiriyo | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0077719 |
10. | Mustapa B. Utoh | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0595069 |
11. | Norhati Bt. Juair | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | 790424-12-5819 |
12. | Nurismah Bt. Abd. Bakar | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0635093 |
13. | Sakong B. Salleh | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | W/C42448 |
14. | Salh Bt. Md Said | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0274527 |
15. | Shuhor B. Mohd. Said | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | W/C61093 |
16. | Takasi B. Aniu | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0276445 |
17. | Takrin B. Abdullah | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0871517 |
18. | Tarsah B. Ahaw | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | 560521-12-5251 |
19. | Wohitoy Bt. Hj. Dawatan | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0268038 |
20. | Yusof B. Kardi | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0430683 |
21. | Abdul Karim B. Abd Hamid | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0668798 |
2. | Buahara Bt. Kiju | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0425612 |
23. | Indal B. Damit | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0409599 |
24. | Jafar B. Hamzah | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | 371102-12-5107 |
25. | Jamal @ Jamalludin | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0756275 |
26. | Maamor B. Baraim | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0697773 |
27. | Morbiah Bt. Ewong | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0276457 |
28. | Mustara Bt. Rangon | Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru | H0270377 |
29. | Noracha Bt. Masali | Asia Transpacific Journeys/USA | H0261823 |
30. | Nunah Bt. Tumbok | Prisma Tours/Norway | H0263752 |
31. | Singgong B. Musa | Voyagers International/USA | H0252405 |
32. | Pilit B. Ugis | Revisor Group/Trivsel Resor/Sweden | 330125-12-5125 |
33. | Rusiman B. Rukimin | Christopher West John/Charlotte Poulsen/Australia | 580518-12-5355 |
34. | Diming B.Sidik | Donor | 681208-12-5483 |
35. | Salimah Bt. Pilit | Donor | 710917-12-5806 |
36. | Suali B. Adari | Donor | H0475220 |
37. | Julaih Bt. Hj.Sulaiman | Donor | H0684040 |
38. | Lomboi B. Dungang |
2001
Medical Aid to a Cleft Lip Boy
Medical aid to a cleft lip boy
In April-July SERDC sponsored a four year boy, Azizi Suhaimin B.Bahrani in the first of two operations on his cleft lip at Duchess of Kent Hospital and food and lodging for his parents in Sandakan. The staff of Sukau also assisted in providing logistics and accommodation in Sandakan. The second operation is due in February 2002.
With effect from 1st September 2001 SERDC will be providing RM100.00 per month allowance for a period of one year for his three year old brother Mohd.Suhaizan who is suffering from thelasemia and require monthly visit and blood transfusion in Sandakan. In September, three staff of Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Borneo Eco Tours also donated three pints of blood to the boy.
2003
907 Villagers in Sukau Received Medical and Dental Treatment
907 villagers in Sukau received medical and dental treatment

A free medical check up and treatment for Sukau villagers was held from the 21st to 23rd September 2003 at Sukau Village Multi-purpose Hall in Sukau. The medical treatments ranged from general consultation, surgery, orthodonthias, acupuncture to dental treatment. This project was carried out in collaboration with a Korean Medical Team, Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu South, Sukau Village Security and Development Committee and Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Various type of medicines costing approximately RM10,000.00 was prepared by the Korean team for this special event.About 907 people benefited from this three (3) day project. The Korean Medical Team donated 250 pairs of shoes to the students of the primary school in Sukau and T-shirts were also given out to teachers and staffs. In the future, Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd and Sukau Rainforest Lodge plans to organize similar events with the cooperation of other organizations.SERDC spent a total of RM10,780.00 on the project providing free meals, transportation, accommodation and airfares.
Participants of Medical Treatment in Sukau (21st – 23rd September 2003)
Korean Medical Team Name
Names | Position | |
1 | Lee Jin Su | Leader |
2 | Dr. Kirn Hak Jin | Oriental |
3 | Dr. Guan Jong Man | Surgery |
4 | Lee Sang Ji | Pharmacist |
5 | Dr. Chai hee Tarn | Cairocratic |
6 | 0 Yong Suk | Nurse |
7 | Taik Meong | Volunteer |
8 | Lim Tiong Ha | Volunteer |
9 | Choi Tae Yel | Volunteer |
10 | Chan Yong Gil | Volunteer |
11 | Lee Ki On | Pharmacist |
12 | An Han Gun | Volunteer |
13 | Lee HeeJa | Nurse |
14 | Choi SongAe | Nurse |
15 | Lee Hyung Jong | Volunteer |
16 | Chong Jong Hyen | Co-Leader |
Local Doctors
Names | Position | |
1 | Dr Ranjit | Surgery/Complex |
2 | Dr Ravi | Ultra Screen |
3 | Dr Roland | Dentistry |
4 | Dr Ghani | Specialist |
5 | Dr Gan | |
6 | Dr Khana | |
3 Nurses & A Radiologist Engineer |
Rotary Kota Kinabalu South & Kota Kinabalu
Names | Position | |
1 | Victor Chong | Leader |
2 | Vun Sim | Local |
3 | Fong Nam | Local |
4 | Gloria | Korean |
5 | Yong Sue | Korean |
Others
1 | Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd staff |
2 | Sukau Rainforest Lodge staff |
3 | 847 people generally consulted |
4 | 60 people treated for dental treatment |
2005
2 Tanks Donated by KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
2 tanks donated by KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
In February 2005 two tanks were donated and installed by a group of engineering students from Swedish University. These tanks were valued at US$338 each. The tanks were brought to the houses of Mr Sahak and Puan Sumarni who had been selected to receive them.
The Participants in the project were:
- Alexander Ahne
- Claes Hellsten
- Daniel man
- Elin Engart
- Gustav Jansson
- Johan Lindstrm
- Johan Wikfors
- Johan Hgset
- Katarina Cristvall
- Lovisa Sundblad
- Maria Mattsson
- Mattias Olsson
- Maria Piwek
- Martin Somp
- Mikael Berg
- Niklas Lindvall
- Per Wall
- Petra Trnqvist
- Ronnie Hmlinen
- Sandra Gossas
- Teresia Engvall
- Tobias Lundberg
And Johanna Carlsson as the tour leader
As with any project, this project did not run entirely smoothly and there were several challenges.
The first challenge was with the tank fittings, as the tanks were shipped with the incorrect fittings. Fortunately our staff at Sukau Rainforest Lodge were able to get the correct parts from Sandakan before the project commenced.
Originally the students wished to help install these tanks at the respective houses. Unfortunately one of the houses was still being renovated, so the students were unable to install the tank during their time here in Borneo.
The students were able to help with the installation of the water tank at the other house, however, it was only guttering that they were able to assist with as the stand built for the tank was made too high. Unfortunately this was only discovered on the day, so we were not able to be rectified this problem during the short time period the students had in Sukau.
Another problem encountered by this group was a language barrier, with the majority of the villagers in Sukau not being able to speak English. As a result the residents tended to avoid the tourists, which was miss interpreted as being unfriendly.
Many lessons have been learnt as a result of this project in the necessity of adequately preparing the site ahead of any planned projects, and getting explicit agreement from the recipients of the aid.
But in the final analysis, despite all the problems, this group of students were able to experience first had the difficulties associated with working in a remote region and have gained valuable experiences.
The villages of Sukau have been exposed to more tourists and lessons have been learnt about expectations that tourists have when using home stay. This will better prepare the local villagers for the next group of tourists that wish to stay in their homes.
2009
940 Prepacked Supplies for Flood Relief in Pitas
940 Prepacked Supplies for Flood Relief in Pitas

Gravity Water Supply in Kundasang
Gravity Water Supply in Kundasang
Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technology, BEST on July 1, 2009 made a contribution of RM5,000.00 to the villagers of Kampung Desa Aman, (pop. 400) Kundasang to finance half the cost of repair of the Water Supply Project for the village.
Kampung Desa Aman is located in Kundasang at the foothills of Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site and is about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu. The village folks of 400 people depends on the river catchment for their water supply.In the year 2007, Desa Aman received two 5000-gallon tanks from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage of Sabah to channel water from Sungai Kalanggaan. However due to poor construction and storm damage in 2008 to the piping system, the water tanks were operating at 20% capacity. Since then supply of water to 40 households had to be rationed.While waiting for fund allocation from the government, BEST pledged RM 5,000.00 of the total estimated cost of RM10,000.00 to minimize hardship to the villagers. Photo shows Deputy Chairman of BEST, Baton Bijamin handing the cheque to Mr. Arujin Dani, the JKKK (or the Village Security & Development Committee Head) of Kampung Desa Aman.
BEST is a non profit foundation set up by Borneo Eco Tours , Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Borneo Backpackers with the objectives of implementing communities and environmental projects in Sabah. It is funded mainly with contribution of RM50,000.00 from the group.
2010
561 Joined in Program Perkhidmatan Kesihatan & Pergigian Sukau
561 joined in Program Perkhidmatan Kesihatan & Pergigian Sukau
September 19th 2010 – The Sukau Medical Camp concluded with success as Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists and Volunteers attended to a total of 561 patients for various ailments.The Sukau Medical Camp project took place from 16th – 19th September 2010 and was headed by BEST Society with collaboration of Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sabah (JKNS). The medical Team comprised of Doctors and Pharmacists from Queen Elizabeth Hospital I and II Kota Kinabalu, Likas Women & Children Hospital Kota Kinabalu, and Dentists from the Sandakan Dental Department, assisted by other Volunteers and JKKK Kampung Sukau, Kampung Abai and Kampung Bilit. The objective was to provide medical service to denizens of the Lower Kinabatangan who may have difficulty accessing general healthcare and dental facilities.
Compared to previous (2001 and 2003) Medical Outreach Projects in Sukau by BEST Society that attracted more than 900 people, the project this time round attracted 561 people from surrounding areas and as far as Kg. Bilit. Various ailments and conditions were treated, through te dentist’s station was the busiest , with a long queue for most of the program. It was so popular the dentist ran out of medicine at lunch on the second day.
For this event, BEST Society spent over RM20,000.00 to finance all expenses including medicine, transport, accommodation, meals allowances and rental of facilities. The Borneo Eco Tours contributed by providing awe-inspiring evening river cruises for participants, while the newly renovated and stylish Sukau Rainforest Lodge provided some lodging and meals for volunteers, apart from appointing its own personnel to help out with the running of event.
The Lower Kinabatangan River has been recognized globally as one of the world’s richest regions in terms of biodiversity and is a gazette protected wildlife sanctuary. Known for having the largest concentration of wildlife in South East Asia, the area is populated by the indigenous Orang Sungai who rely on the integrity of this fragile biodiversity for their livelihood. By providing them with basic medical facilities, BEST Society ensures that their deliverance into the modern society is unhindered, while continuously championing the cause for conservation in the area.
2011
Terongkongan Living Water
Terongkongan Living Water
The clean water shortage condition in Kudat, on the Northern tip of Sabah has always been an issue not only to the villagers but also a concern to BEST Society and The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu. Based on a study, 23 million liter of water is needed every day for the whole Matunggong District. However the current daily supply of 15 million of clean water from the government is insufficient to cater to the whole district.
Beginning August 2010, BEST Society launched a campaign to seek partnership from various non-profit organizations and corporate companies to help alleviate this problem.
In partnership with Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu and BEST Society, the “Living Water Project” was launched and two wells were built in Kampung Terongkongan Laut and Darat have finally completed. With the joint funding of more than RM50,000, two 100 feet wells were drilled complete with tower tank (4,000 gallons capacity) installations, poly piping channel to an electrical water pump which would benefit more than 80 households altogether.
On 27th February 2011, BEST Society represented by its Vice Chairman, Baton Bijamin and Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu held a ceremony at Terongkongan Darat Village to hand over the project. The Honorable Sarapin Bin Magana, the Assemblyman of the Matunggong District was on hand to grace the occasion.

YB Sarapin gracing the launching of ‘Living Water’

The electrical pump installed next to the well

3 water tanks with a capacity of 2000 gallons each were installed
Right after the launching, a health supplement distribution to the villagers, courtesy of the Rotary Club. Two Interact Clubs from Kota Kinabalu also held a reading session with the local children. The program ended with a graceful traditional Rungus dance performance. This joyous event was witnessed by over 200 people from the villagers of Terongkongan Laut and Darat as well as the volunteers from Borneo Eco Tours, Interact Clubs and Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu. The successful launching of the project is seen as a blessing for many villagers. Mr. Aling Mikod, a farmer was very impressed and grateful for the new facility.“Finally the shortage of clean water supply has come to an end”, he said. He also feels positive with the new development especially on social entrepreneurship and capacity development programs from Best Society.
In line with our local community development mission, the third “Living Water Project” at Kg.Kimihang, Kudat is already in the pipeline. BEST is hoping to raise a total of RM25,000.00 for this targeted project. The current to date funding contributed by Edith Cowan University (ECU), Western Australia amounting approximately RM2,775.60 and a sum of RM14,606.50 contributed by The Adventure Company, Hampshire, United Kingdom respectively summed up to RM17,382.10 leaving a total of RM7,617.90 in need by BEST to achieve an adequate funding for this “Living Water” project. BEST Society seeks financial contributions from international donors who are interested to participate in CSR programs to support this humanitarian program which would improve the living standard of the locals and help eradicate poverty.
2012
Phase 1 & 2: Bengkoka Living Water
Phase 1 & 2: Bengkoka Living Water
Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies Society (BEST), ConocoPhilps and independent oil and gas exploration and production company and Sky community (SIB Skyline) are initiating a joint-community project in Bengkoka, in the Pitas District on the northern part of Borneo. The newly launched rainwater collection system project provides an alternatives source of drinking and cooking water to the villages along the Bengkoka River. At present , the villagers use local springs of water which involve spending a great deal of hours each day collecting water from the Bengkoka River during dry season. Ironically, with the increasing growth of palm oil plantations further upstream, the water is now deemed unsuitable for consumption due to pollution from pesticides and fertilizers used in plantations as well as soil erosion.The first phase of the project kicked off at Kg. Lugu on 8th September 2012 to supply 16 water tanks each with a capacity of 400 gallons. Kelvin Atkinson, representing Mark Wheeler, the President of ConocoPhilips Malaysia, handed over a check of RM25,280.00 to BEST Society Chairman, Albert Teo to fund this project. Also present at the handover ceremony were Mrs. Atkinson (Sue), community leader oF Kg. Lugu, volunteers from BEST Society and Sky Community.
“The timely financial support from ConocoPhilips reflects the company’s active particiation in various philanthropic projects by donating time, skills and providing financial support to the communities in which they do business” said Mr. Wheeler in his letter to BEST Society. He added that “The company recognize that the most effective corporate philanthropic is achieved by entering into strategic partnerships with agencies and organizations that serve the community”.
All in all, phase 1 and phase 2 of the projcts will benefit the residents of Kg. Lugu and Kg. Pandan respectively, where a total of 25 families or 270 people will have the privilege to enjoy cleaner supply of water. Several villagers who were at the ceremony expressed their appreciation including one of the Kg. Lugu’s leaders, Mijol Sukuan.
“I wish to thank ConocoPhilips, BEST Society and Sky Community for their help here. It’s been a long time since we experience this hardship to get clean water. The water tanks will solve our problem, we are extremely happy”, he said.
The Head of PCS Church, Kg. Lugu, Juin Mojinal also welcomed the initiative of the three organisations. “The help from ConocoPhilips, BEST and Sky Community is a relief for the local community. We are grateful and touched by your concern for the community in remote area here”.
Sukau Medical Camp
Sukau Medical Camp
A third medical project was organized by BEST Society in Sukau, Kinabatangan on 16-17th November. A joint project with Sky Community Bhd, Sabah State Health and Dental Department, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours and co-sponsored by Kinabatangan Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association, Sabah (KiTA) it was aimed to provide free medical and dental treatment to the community in Sukau, Bilit and Abai villages. Currently, the villagers in the areas have to travel 1-2 hours to the nearest hospital in Kota Kinabatangan or Sandakan to seek medical treatment.A total of 68 volunteers including 7 doctors, 1 Medical Officer, 6 dentists, 9 nurses, 3 pharmacists, 1 nutritionist travelled 8 hours overland from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Kinabatnagn and spent four days to serve community. A total of 565 patients were treated including 208 seeking dental treatment (Sukau; 312, Bilit; 115 and Abai; 138). Among the most common diagnoses of the patients here include hypertension, diabetes, respiratory disease and fungal infections and skin allergies. The medical project also saved the life of a boy, Mohammad Razman, 10, of Kg Abai who was diagnosed just in time with acute appendicitis. He was sent by Borneo Eco Tours speed boa to Sukau, and thereafter, transferred by ambulance to Kinabatangan and Sandakan Hospital for immediate surgery.
This is the third medical project organized by BEST Society (www.bestsociety.org). The medical project cost a total of RM35,042.36 which include promotion, homestay (RM2,100.00) medicines (RM7,427.86), logistics, accomodation and meals of the volunteers. Main sponsors, KiTA (www.kitaborneo.org) contributed a total of RM20,000.00 with the balance sponsored by BEST Society (RM4,259.56), Sukau Rainforest Lodge (RM7840.00) and Borneo Eco Tours (www.borneoecotours.com) (RM2,385.00) while Sky Community (www.skylinesib.com) co-ordinated the trip of the volunteers from government hospitals, private clinics and private sectors.
On of the patients at Kg. Bilit, Salina B. Tombok who was interviewd expressed his gratitude to the medical team.
2013
450 Villagers in Mantanani Received Medical and Dental Treatment
450 villagers in Mantanani received medical and dental treatment
Phase 3: Bengkoka Living Water
Phase 3: Bengkoka Living Water
The community of Mandamai, a village nestled deep in the interior on the Bengkoka River, Pitas, Sabah on Malaysian Borneo has every reason to celebrate Christmas early as the much-awaited water tanks finally arrived on 13th December 2013. The “Bengkoka Living Water” project was financed by the US-based energy corporation, ConocoPhillips and coordinated by Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (BEST) Society and Sky Community (SIB Skyline).There were 32 units of water tanks with capacity of 400 gallons each delivered to Mandamai to solve the clean water shortage. The water tanks will benefit 30 households (115 people). Initially, the villagers including the women and children had to physically get water supply from the Bengkoka River using buckets. Apart from that, the risk of disease infection is high as the river water is polluted with chemical run off from nearby oil palm plantations. The villagers now only need to walk a few steps to fetch water for washing or cooking (except in the dry season).
The Bengkoka Living Water Project was first launched by BEST Society and Skycommunity in September 2012 while the second phase was completed in December 2012 with a funding of RM25,280.00. ConocoPhillips donated another RM25,792.00 for Living Water Project Phase 3. Apart from the donation, each recipient of Mandamai also contributed a small sum of RM75.00 for the water tank that they received. The remaining fund from ConocoPhillips and the contribution from the villagers will be used to fund “Bengkoka Living Water” project phase 4 in 2014.
To-date, the three “Bengkoka Living Water” projects have successfully delivered 65 water tanks to three villages and benefited 348 people through the continuous support from ConocoPhillips with donation amounting to RM 51,072.00.
Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies (BEST) Society (www.bestsociety.org) is a non-profit organization funded by Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge. As of July 2013, a total of RM 1,060,183.57 were raised by BEST Society with Borneo Eco Tours contributed RM 382,583.00 (36%) and Sukau Rainforest Lodge RM 231,877.08 (22%) to implement community and environmental projects.
Some of the receipients of water tanks
Villagers helping to carry the water tanks to their village
A lorry carrying the water tanks all the way from Kota Kinabalu
2014
Phase 4: Bengkoka Living Water
Phase 4: Bengkoka Living Water
A total of 30 units of Weida 400 gallons blue water tanks were delivered to 28 families in Kg Kobon on 9th July, 2014. BEST Society and joint-organizer Skycom representative, Justin Ng, handed over the water tanks to the village representative, Joseph Murondok after they had successfully transferred the water tanks across the Bengkoka River by using boat. A total of RM 18,978.00 was spent with funds contributed by ConocoPhillips and a local bank. Every recipient of the tank also had to contribute a token sum to help them take ownership and break out of dependence on welfare and charity.
To-date, four projects have successfully delivered a total of 95 water tanks to four villages (Kg Lugu, Kg Pandan, Kg Mandamai and Kg Kobon) which benefitted 453 people. Approximately RM46,130.75 have been invested in these four projects.
We will continue to implement this project in the remote villages further upstream as funds become available as they are continuously plagued by drought and have to rely on polluted Bengkoka River for water supply.
Unloading the water tanks from lorry. |
Pushing the water tanks down to the river bank. |
As there is no road access to the Kg. Kobon, water tanks have to be transported across Bengkoka River by boats. |
51 Volunteers at Kundasang Medical Camp
51 volunteers at Kundasang medical camp
On July 26, 2014, Skycommunity (including volunteers from BEST Society) brought a total of 51 volunteers including doctors and pharmacists to Kg Desa Aman. Located in a remote area close to Mt. Kinabalu, it is difficult for villagers to get regular health check-ups or get help when they require it. It was the first time that a medical camp had been brought to Kg Desa Aman.Madam Selim Satim, a housewife from the village, also suggested that a dental check up be included next time, as they usually need to wait anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before they can receive treatment from government clinics, which are also quite far away. An eye check up is equally important for the elderly people of Kg Desa Aman.
Besides the medical camp, Skycommunity also set up an English program intended to enable children and teenagers to practice their English. Some adults were very interested in joining and actively engaged in all the activities with the volunteers. One villager, Madam Selim Satim, said that she enjoyed the reading activity the most as it gave her the rare opportunity to improve her English. She welcomes anyone who is willing to teach them until they can master the language.
Besides being volunteers, BEST Society also provided an air-conditioned coach to transfer the doctors to the community project.
2015
Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity
Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity
15th August 2015, Saturday – In conjunction with the monthly volunteer activity, BEST Society and Borneo Eco Tours Kota Kinabalu sent the 4th trip of volunteers for Habitat for Humanity program. 5 volunteers have signed up for the recent trip, 2 men and 3 women from different division of BEST Society and BET organization.Like the previous group, the project site was located in Kg. Sarapung, Kolopis, Penampang. The owner, Madam Doris Nois was very welcoming. The mission of the great five volunteers on the trip was to relocate the sand across the river to the designated place next to the house. Amazingly, mission accomplished within 3 hours and we continue with cleaning at the house’s surroundings thereafter.
According to Thomas, the Project Manager of Habitat, the house is now 85% completed. This is due to the consistency and the involvement of the owner, while Habitat for Humanity provides support in terms of human capital for the last two (2) months from various organizations and BEST and BEST Society were one of the supporter.
It is a privilege that BEST Society and BET KK have the opportunity to help people outside. We hope to continue to support in the future.