Guided by the Upper Padas Social Impact Management Plan, we are committed to responsible development that creates long-term value through collaborative community and stakeholder partnerships, driving inclusive progress.
Guided by the Upper Padas Social Impact Management Plan, we are committed to responsible development that creates long-term value through collaborative community and stakeholder partnerships, driving inclusive progress.
Building a sustainable project begins with listening.
In collaboration with PACOS Trust, we are engaging government agencies, local communities, and key stakeholders through a series of structured consultations involving townhalls, interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). These efforts are designed to strengthen the Upper Padas Social Impact Management Plan (UPSIMP) in strict alignment with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
These engagements provide a transparent platform to gather and validate local insights, understand community aspirations, adat (traditions) and systematically identify, avoid, and mitigate potential social impacts. By ensuring our processes meet Good International Industry Practice (GIIP), the project aims for informed decisions and inclusive outcomes for the communities we serve.
Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) townhalls
Door-to-door interview
Focus group discussions with government authorities in Kota Kinabalu, Sipitang and Tenom Districts
Reliable connectivity is essential for both project delivery and community well-being.
Through the installation of telecommunication towers within the project area, we are strengthening communication networks to enhance coordination, safety, and emergency response capabilities during construction across the remote area.
Embodying the principles of community benefit sharing, this infrastructure extends far beyond the project. It provides surrounding villages with improved mobile and internet access—directly sharing the socio-economic gains of development by supporting access to essential services. Hence, creating a lasting impact that benefits local communities for years to come.
Providing clean water to rural communities.
Through structured community consultations via townhalls and interviews, access to clean, reliable water was identified as a critical priority for nearby rural settlements. To support the continuous livelihood and health of neighbouring indigenous communities, the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project funded and installed dedicated gravity water supply systems for neighbouring villages.
By tapping into clean, natural water sources, these systems deliver a continuous, self-sustaining supply of safe water directly to households, effectively improving local sanitation, health, and daily quality of life.
Delivering essential aid during unexpected climate-related disaster events.
When unexpected challenges strike, we stand firmly alongside our community partners. In January 2026, heavy rainfall led to floods in Tenom and affected numerous households. To ensure the continuous livelihood of indigenous communities, essential food supplies, clean drinking water, and basic necessities were distributed to affected families. Cleanup activities were also conducted, helping families safely return to normalcy.
Safety is a shared responsibility.
During the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP) Sabah Enforcement Visit on 8 May 2026, we welcomed regulatory authorities to assess workplace safety practices and reinforce compliance across the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project (UPHEP) construction site.
The engagement provided valuable guidance to identify and mitigate potential risks while strengthening collaboration between the project team and regulators, reflecting our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of our workforce and maintaining the highest standards of safety throughout project delivery.
We welcomed YBhg. Datuk Azrul Bin Ibrahim, Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sabah, for a site visit to the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project (UPHEP) on 26 April 2026, providing an opportunity to share the project’s latest progress and long-term vision.
The visit highlighted UPHEP’s role in strengthening Sabah’s renewable energy capacity, enhancing water security and supporting sustainable economic growth, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that creates lasting benefits for communities and future generations.
