Access to clean water was a daily struggle for some rural villagers in Sabah until a non-governmental organisation (NGO) stepped in to help.

Hopes Malaysia, a Kota Kinabalu-based NGO, has been doing just that since it was set up in 2016 by Sam Lee and Poh Khay Inn.

For its efforts, Hopes Malaysia is recognised as one of the 10 winners of Star Golden Hearts Award 2019, an annual award that celebrates everyday Malaysian unsung heroes.