As part of its ongoing efforts to uplift communities, AETOS collaborated with Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM) to help fifteen beneficiary farmers in Kampung Penempatan Warui, Kota Belud, Sabah, adopt sustainable farming practices. This year-long initiative aimed to enhance food security and increase household income for the rural families, while boosting self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial skills—particularly amongst women in the community.

The beneficiary farmers participated in the farming workshops and received guidance throughout the programme, acquiring the skills and resources needed to build sustainable farms. They successfully cultivated a variety of nutrient-rich crops, including sawi, bok choy, tomatoes, eggplant, chilies, and long beans, alongside tilapia farming. The farmers also learned to grow creeping crops like bitter gourd and cucumber, which require minimal land, allowing them to make the most of their available space and increase their yields.

By the end of the programme, the beneficiary farmers had harvested an average of nine crop cycles, yielding over 2,500 kg of fresh produce. The impact has been significant, with a 60% reduction in food expenses and a 68% increase in monthly household income—from RM437 to RM737, as surplus produce was sold to the local markets.

"We no longer need to purchase vegetables from the market, as we can now grow and harvest our own crops to provide fresh food for our families. The harvesting techniques we learned have also greatly improved the quantity and quality of our yields. I can now earn a steady income to better support my family, with each sale bringing in around RM30-50,” shared Araine Andreas, one of the women beneficiaries.

"I was truly inspired after witnessing the farmers' way of life and their incredible resilience. It’s encouraging to see how, with the right support and resources, these communities can achieve so much and create sustainable livelihoods for themselves. I’m hopeful that the knowledge and skills they’ve gained will create greater opportunities, and a brighter future for them and their families,” said Ms Elaine Ong, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing.