F&NHB Partners with Jagoi Heritage Association (JADC) to Champion Water Conservation at Bung Jagoi Heritage Village

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (“F&NHB” or “the Group”) continues to deepen its long-standing ties with Sarawak through a range of community-focused initiatives, including its ongoing Water Conservation Programme at Bung Jagoi Heritage Village.

Located in the highlands of the interior region of Kuching Division, Bung Jagoi—meaning “Jagoi Peak”—is a place of ecological and cultural significance. Once the original settlement of the Jagoi Bidayuh community, the old village has been revived as a “Bung Jagoi Heritage Village” and the 1000-hectare forest around the village as “Jagoi Heritage Forest”. Conservation of the Jagoi Heritage Forest is to ensure sustainable provision of ecosystem services, which includes tourism.

The conservation programme supported by F&NHB features two core components: water conservation and forest rehabilitation. The installation of a new water pump system drawing clean water from Ayak Tibodak, alongside the repair of water storage tanks, is expected to replenish up to 5.475 million litres of water annually. This enhances long-term water security for the village while supporting eco-tourism and cultural preservation.

Developed in collaboration with the Jagoi Heritage Association (JHA), through its Jagoi Area Development Committee (JADC), the initiative reflects F&NHB’s broader commitment to sustainability and community upliftment in regions where it operates.

Karen Tan Chui Chui, Director of Communications, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at F&NHB, said, “Sarawak has always held a special place in F&NHB’s journey. Since establishing our first plant in Kuching in 1966, our connection with the people here has only deepened.

“Through efforts like the water conservation programme at Bung Jagoi, we are proud to give back to the communities that have supported us for nearly six decades. We also want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the media in Sarawak, whose continued support helps bring our stories to life and strengthens the bonds we’ve built across the state,” added Karen.

“We are pleased to collaborate with F&NHB in realising a shared vision of sustainability and respect for indigenous heritage. This programme uplifts our community’s aspiration through clean water access, and by unlocking the potential of eco-tourism in a way that honours our traditions,” said Professor Dr Gabriel Tonga Noweg, Chairman of JADC.

Today’s handing over of the Water Conservation and Distribution Project at Bung Jagoi is also witnessed by the Sarawak Assembly member for Tasik Biru, Dato Henry Harry Jinep, who is also the Assistant Minister (Riverine and Marine) at the Ministry of Transport, Sarawak. Also present are the COO of Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Authority (GKCDA), Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Resident of Kuching, the District Officer of Bau as well as community leaders of all villagers in the Jagoi area.

F&NHB’s presence in Sarawak began nearly 60 years ago with the opening of its first soft drinks plant in Kuching, the first in East Malaysia. Today, the Group operates two manufacturing facilities in Kuching and Matang, supported by four sales offices across the state in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri, with over 200 Sarawakians employed across its operations. Over the years, the Group has continued to invest in local capabilities, including the acquisition of the BORNEO mineral water brand in 2006 and the launch of a first-of-its-kind UHT processing line at the Kuching facility in 2017.

Beyond business, F&NHB has demonstrated a strong commitment to Sarawakian communities. These include flood relief efforts during last year’s Ramadan for over 110 residents in Kampung Sinar Budi Baru and Kampung Rantau Panjang Batu Kawa, as well as festive contributions to old folks’ homes and care centres during Chinese New Year. In 2024, F&NHB also served as the Gold Sponsor of the SUKMA and Para SUKMA Games in Sarawak, supporting national sports development and supplying 100PLUS for athletes and participants across the state.

Through these efforts, F&NHB hopes to contribute meaningfully to both environmental preservation and the well-being of the communities it serves. The Group remains committed to supporting Sarawak’s journey forward while honouring the land and people that have played such a vital role in its history.