FOR the Orang Asal communities in Kg Lapad Lakang and Kg Sokoon in Paitan, Sabah, nightfall used to mean darkness or the dim, flickering glow of candles and kerosene lamps. For years, families in these villages relied on diesel generators, but the high cost of fuel and maintenance meant electricity was a luxury that could only be used sparingly.

That all changed in May 2024, when SOLS Foundation, in collaboration with Yayasan Bursa Malaysia, brought a renewable and reliable source of energy to their homes. Through a solar power installation project fully funded by Yayasan Bursa Malaysia, these two villages have stepped into a new era of energy independence - one where light is no longer a privilege, but a daily certainty.

A Journey to Bring Light

The journey to bring solar energy to these remote villages was not an easy one. For seven days, a team from SOLS Foundation traveled deep into Sabah to oversee the installations, ensuring that each home was equipped with a solar system that could provide consistent, long-term energy. 

Over the course of three days, 56 homes in Kg Lapad Lakang and 24 homes in Kg Sokoon received solar installations. In total, 313 villagers who once had to ration their energy use now enjoy the benefits of stable electricity.

In Kg Lapad Lakang, 56 homes have been equipped with solar power, bringing light and energy to 219 villagers who previously relied on expensive and unreliable sources of electricity. Meanwhile, in Kg Sokoon, 24 homes have benefited from the installation, positively impacting 94 villagers. Across both villages, a total of 80 households and 313 people now have access to clean, renewable energy, marking a significant step toward improving their daily lives and long-term well-being.

The project was made possible by funds raised through Bursa Malaysia’s Flagship Charity Run, the Bursa Bull Charge back in 2023, a testament to how corporate social responsibility initiatives can make a real difference in underserved communities.

For seven days, a team from SOLS Foundation traveled deep into Sabah to oversee the installations, ensuring that each home was equipped with a solar system. - SOLS Foundation


Breaking Free from the Burden of Costly Energy

Before this initiative, villagers commonly spent up to RM5,000 per year on fuel, spare parts, and generator maintenance. With an average monthly income of RM735 in Kg Lapad Lakang and RM950 in Kg Sokoon, these energy expenses accounted for approximately 43% to 56% of their earnings. This significant financial burden made energy costs not just an inconvenience but a major strain on their livelihoods.  In contrast, a household in Kuala Lumpur with a median income of RM5,000 spends only a fraction of that percentage on electricity, highlighting the disproportionate energy burden faced by rural communities.

With the switch to solar energy, families are now projected to save up to 80% on their energy expenses, based on results from previous SOLS Foundation projects. The money that once went into fuel and generator repairs can now be used for food, healthcare, and education.

For many rural communities, access to reliable electricity is often seen as a luxury rather than a basic necessity. In Kg Lapad Lakang and Kg Sokoon, where villagers once relied on costly and inconsistent sources of energy, the installation of solar power has been nothing short of transformative.  With lights that no longer flicker out when fuel runs low and a power source that doesn’t come with the constant hum of a generator, daily life has taken on a new rhythm - one of stability, security, and opportunity.

This initiative, driven by SOLS Foundation in collaboration with Yayasan Bursa Malaysia, is more than simply providing electricity. It is about closing the energy gap that has long kept communities in the shadows, limiting their ability to study, work, and thrive. Now, these solar installations do more than brighten homes - they empower entire villages, offering a future where families can build towards self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.

For many rural communities, access to reliable electricity is often seen as a luxury rather than a basic necessity. - SOLS Foundation

Beyond Savings: A Brighter Future for the Community

For the villagers, the impact of having electricity 24/7 goes beyond financial relief.  It is about safety, education, and opportunity.

No More Dangerous Nights – Previously, nightfall meant navigating in the dark or using hazardous kerosene lamps that released harmful fumes. With solar power, families now enjoy clean, bright lighting, making their homes safer and healthier.

More Time for Learning and Work – Students no longer have to rush their homework before sunset, and parents can now engage in home-based businesses without worrying about energy costs.

Better Health and Air Quality – The transition away from kerosene and diesel means cleaner air inside homes, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses caused by fumes and soot.

The money that once went into fuel and generator repairs can now be used for food, healthcare, and education. - SOLS Foundation

Measuring the Impact: Looking Ahead

While the solar installations have already transformed daily life in these villages, SOLS Foundation wants to ensure that the benefits are long-lasting.

Six months later, a survey was conducted to assess their impact, revealing remarkable savings for the villagers.  In Sokoon, interviews with 11 out of 27 beneficiaries showed a total reduction in energy expenses from RM256.80 to RM0, achieving a full 100% savings. Meanwhile, in Lapad Lakang, 17 out of 58 villagers reported a decrease in energy costs from RM88.13 to RM3, translating to a 96.6% savings. This data clearly demonstrates a significant reduction in dependence on fossil fuels, with villagers fully utilising the solar home systems to power their evening activities, enhancing their quality of life while embracing a cleaner, cost-effective energy source.

This project marks only the beginning. While solar systems offer an immediate and sustainable solution, SOLS Foundation envisions a future where villages like Kg Lapad Lakang and Kg Sokoon have access to microgrids and expanded electrification.

The installation of solar power in these villages is a transformative step, laying the foundation for a larger journey. For generations, these communities have adapted to life without reliable electricity, relying on costly and inconsistent alternatives. With solar systems now in place, they gain not only immediate relief but also new opportunities, paving the way for lasting change.

The vision goes beyond lighting homes. The long-term goal is to develop more sustainable energy solutions, such as microgrids, that can power entire villages with greater efficiency and reliability. Efforts are already underway to expand electrification, ensuring these communities are not merely getting by but thriving, equipped with the resources to build a brighter, more self-sufficient future.


Bringing Light to Other Communities

Yayasan Hasanah is another body that has played a crucial role in expanding access to sustainable energy, sponsoring the installation of solar home systems for 415 households across multiple villages. The initiative began on May 20, 2024, in Kg Pimpin, Paitan, benefiting 339 villagers. In October 2024, six more villages - Kg Batangan Darat (300 villagers), Kg Binanjar Baru (192 villagers), Kg Musinggapu (211 villagers), Kg Munungan (236 villagers), and Kg Lubang Buaya (243 villagers) received solar systems.

Additionally, last year on October 17, four villages in Mukim Pensiangan - Kg Siwalor, Kg Mambu, Kg Sumabi, and Kg Pilanas were equipped with solar power, benefiting 155 villagers, via this initiative.


Lighting the Path Forward

This project is more than an infrastructure upgrade - it is a symbol of progress for Malaysia’s remote and underserved communities. Through the dedication of SOLS Foundation, SOLS Energy, Yayasan Bursa Malaysia, Yayasan Hasanah and the generosity of public contributions, the vision of universal access to clean, sustainable energy is becoming a reality.

For the villagers impacted, the days of darkness and uncertainty are over. Now, their nights are filled with light, possibility, and hope for a brighter future.


Danutcha Catriona Singh is the Managing Director of SOLS Foundation

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.