Shine On Sustainably (S.O.S)
Helping the Underprivileged Community
Kampung Mangkapoh in Ranau, Sabah, is a beautiful place surrounded by lush greenery, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. However, despite its natural beauty, the village faces challenges after dark due to a scarcity of light caused by the absence of streetlights. This lack of lighting poses risks in terms of visibility, especially when crossing the Sugut River in Ranau at night and dawn via the suspension footbridge (154m), as the sudden occurrence of a head storm phenomenon (Kepala air) is greatly feared.This issue is significant because streetlights can illuminate roads and pathways, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of accidents, particularly during the rainy season when water flow increases in Kg Mangkapoh’s river. It is essential to highlight that streetlights are crucial for promoting safety, navigation, and community life.
Overview of Issue / Background
Kampung Mangkapoh in Ranau, Sabah, is a beautiful place surrounded by lush greenery, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. However, despite its natural beauty, the village faces challenges after dark due to a scarcity of light caused by the absence of streetlights. This lack of lighting poses risks in terms of visibility, especially when crossing the Sugut River in Ranau at night and dawn via the suspension footbridge (154m), as the sudden occurrence of a head storm phenomenon (Kepala air) is greatly
feared.
This issue is significant because streetlights can illuminate roads and pathways, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of accidents, particularly during the rainy season when water flow increases in Kg Mangkapoh’s river. It is essential to highlight that streetlights are crucial for promoting safety, navigation, and community life.
Project Objectives (Vision & Mission)
The purpose and our goals of our project are:
1. To provide 14 solar lamps near Kampung Mangkapoh Ranau.
2. To enhance visibility and mitigate the risk of accidents during night time and dawn hours.
3. Enable villagers to carry out work, chores, business and recreational activities after sunset.
4. Distribute and install solar lamps in strategic locations especially in suspension bridges throughout the rural area to ensure maximum coverage and impact.
Project Details (Activities and Tasks)
The Shine On Sustainably program includes:
1. Meeting with the JPKK and Ketua Kampung of Kampung Mangkapoh Ranau, Sabah,
to discuss:
2.Community engagement: Addressing the needs of Kampung Mangkapoh
Ranau.
3. Location selection: Identifying the appropriate location for solar lamp installation.
- 3D design of the installation site with the solar lamp design.
- Installation day: Installing the solar lamps in key areas, such as main roads used by villagers.
- Testing: Assessing the functionality of the solar lamps during the night.
- Inauguration of the solar lamp aid in Kampung Mangkapoh.
Our task exclusively entailed UMS students and villagers from Kampung Mangkapoh, Ranau,
carrying out the installation of solar lamps. The installation of the solar lamp posts took
place in March 2025.
Expected Project Result & Outcomes
1. Improved visibility for 410 villagers during night time and dawn hours, enhancing
safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
2. Enhanced navigation for 150 students during their journeys at dawn for schools,
ensuring their safety and well-being.
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SAFAWATI JAPRI11 months agoRM 50.00 -
Izwani11 months agoRM 10.00 -
Safwanah11 months agoRM 1.50 -
Japri bin Ebrahim11 months agoRM 100.00
100% of RM2,126.40 Goal
Project Information
| University name | : | Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) |
| Project leader name | : | Safawati Binti Japri |
| Instagram link | : | https://www.instagram.com/shine_sustainably2024/ |
| Project implementation date | : | 2025-01-15 |
| Location of project held | : | Kampung Mangkapoh, Ranau, Sabah. |
| Beneficiary | : | Improved visibility and enhanced navigation during night time and dawn hours |
| Number of beneficiaries | : | 410 Villagers and 150 Students |
Section I
Summary of Project Goals (two sentences)
The goal of this project was to support an underprivileged community by providing solar-powered lighting. The installation of solar lamps aimed to improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life for villagers, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.
Did other fund-raising efforts contribute to your project? What were they?
Yes. Through crowdfunding, we were able to increase the budget, which enhanced our ability to purchase additional equipment and expand the project’s impact.
Provide details about how your project actually worked.
Solar lights were installed to improve visibility and accessibility, especially for villagers crossing the suspension bridge which spans up to 130 meters.
Were there unanticipated difficulties? Budget constraints?
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Kampung Mangkapoh is located in a remote rural area, which made access challenging for standard transportation services.
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The project was carried out on a limited budget, with most funds allocated to essential components. Additional costs such as student travel, accommodation, meals, and logistics were fully self-funded.
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The installation process was delayed due to the rainy season.
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Budget limitations prevented the installation of solar lights in several areas of Kampung Mangkapoh, leaving some places without coverage.
Language or cultural barriers?
There were no significant language or cultural barriers. Although the villagers primarily speak Dusun as their first language, they were able to understand Malay, which allowed for effective communication throughout the project.
What worked well? What didn’t work well?
The solar light installation was generally successful. However, one solar lamp experienced technical issues, and the only solution was to replace it using self-funding.
How many people benefited or will benefit from your project? Who are these people?
The installation of solar lamps in Kampung Mangkapoh directly benefited approximately 560 individuals, including around 410 villagers and 150 students. The improved lighting enhanced visibility and navigation during nighttime and early morning hours, particularly on pathways and suspension bridges. This has increased safety, extended the hours available for daily activities, and overall improved the community’s quality of life.
What is the long-term impact and sustainability of this project? Is there a future for your project?
This initiative represents our first real-world application of civil engineering skills in planning, design, and on-site execution of an infrastructure project that directly benefits a rural community. Every stage from site assessment and material selection to collaborative construction with villagers was guided by principles of functionality, sustainability, and community impact. By addressing the lack of adequate lighting, the project has created a safer, more accessible environment in Kampung Mangkapoh, particularly during nighttime and dawn. The positive outcomes demonstrate strong potential for sustaining and expanding similar projects in the future.
Section II
Section (a)
How does or will your project contribute to happiness? Short-term? Long-term?
The solar lamp installation project in Kampung Mangkapoh contributes to the overall happiness
and well-being of the local community by addressing a basic yet essential need which is safe
and reliable lighting. In the short term, the installation of solar lamps improves visibility during
night time and early morning hours, making it easier and safer for villagers to move around,
especially in areas like suspension bridges and footpaths. This has reduced the risk of
accidents and increased the sense of security within the village.
In the long term, the project enhances the villagers' quality of life by enabling evening activities
such as studying, working, socializing, and participating in community events. Furthermore, the
use of solar energy promotes sustainability and environmental awareness, contributing to a
happier and more hopeful future for Kampung Mangkapoh.
Has your project changed the way you think about the world? How has it changed you?
Yes, this project has deeply changed the way we view the world particularly in understanding
the challenges faced by rural communities. The experience taught us that meaningful change
doesn’t always require large-scale intervention. Even small initiatives like installing solar lamps
can significantly improve a community’s well-being. Collaborating closely with the villagers also
strengthened our appreciation for community-driven efforts and the power of teamwork.
Personally, the project inspired a stronger sense of social responsibility and reinforced the
importance of using our skills to serve others. It reminded us that as future professionals, we
have a role to play in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
Section (b)
1. Safawati Binti Japri:
“Bringing light to a village is more than installing a lamp, it's igniting opportunity.”
2. Nuramirah Binti Mohd Zaini:
“Access to light is access to safety, education, and hope.”
3. Arif Luqman Bin Baco:
“Each lamp we install is a promise that no one is left behind.”
4. Junior Reachie Justtin
“Rural development begins with basic dignity.”
5. Nur Amirah Nadhirah Binti Abdul Halim:
“Solar power not only lights homes, but it also powers futures.”
6. Nur Samiha Syakira Binti Bakri:
“In every village we light, we plant the seeds of hope.”
7. Siti Nurlyani Binti Jusni:
“Electricity connects us, light empowers us.”
8. Jayden Joseph:
“Solar lamps may be small, but their impact is powerful.”
9. Mohd Izzat Bin Ismail:
“Light is not a luxury, it is a right.”
10.Mohamad Al Hafik Fikri Bin Zakaria:
“When technology meets compassion, even the remotest village can shine.”
Section III