On 24 April 2026, a Community Engagement (CE) session was successfully held at Dewan Kampung Imbak, Tongod, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) implementation within Sabah’s mineral industry. The programme was organised through the collaboration between Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) and Sumayau Sdn Bhd, the holder of the Prospecting Licence (PL) for the area.

The engagement session brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from SMM, Sumayau Sdn Bhd, Natural Resources Office, Sabah Forestry Department, District office, District councils, native court, Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM), community leaders (Ketua Kampung and Pengerusi JKKK) and local residents from villages surrounding the licence area.

The programme was conducted in line with SMM’s commitment to ensuring that Sabah’s mineral industry is developed in a sustainable, responsible and transparent manner in accordance with ESG principles. The main objectives of the Community Engagement session were to provide accurate information on the exploration activities, strengthen communication and cooperation between stakeholders, enhance public understanding of ESG implementation in the mineral industry, and provide a platform for local communities to raise questions, concerns and feedback directly to the company and relevant authorities.

During the session, SMM emphasised the importance of community engagement as a mandatory component of responsible mineral development. The briefing highlighted the role of ESG in the mining industry, particularly in relation to environmental protection, social responsibility, governance, transparency and stakeholder participation. Participants were also informed about the responsibilities of prospecting licence holders, the regulatory framework governing exploration activities, and the importance of maintaining good relationships with surrounding communities.

Representatives from Sumayau Sdn Bhd presented updates on the ongoing exploration activities within the licensed area. The company explained the exploration methods being carried out, the safety measures implemented on site, and its commitment to complying with all regulatory and environmental requirements.

The engagement session also featured a two-way dialogue and question-and-answer session, allowing community leaders and residents to raise concerns and seek clarification regarding exploration activities, environmental management, land matters, safety issues and future development plans. Questions raised by the local communities were addressed directly by representatives from SMM, Sumayau Sdn Bhd and the relevant agencies to ensure accurate information was conveyed and misunderstandings could be clarified.

Throughout the programme, SMM played an important role in facilitating constructive engagement between the company, and local communities, while promoting best practices in mineral exploration, responsible mining operations and future site rehabilitation.

Overall, the Community Engagement session was successfully conducted and received positive participation from all stakeholders. The programme strengthened cooperation and communication between the government, industry players and local communities, while enhancing public understanding of mineral exploration activities and supporting the development of a more inclusive, transparent and sustainable mineral industry in Sabah.