Nestled in the green foothills of Ulu Pangsun, Gemersek Pangsun stands as a living bridge between Malaysia’s hydroelectric heritage and a symbol of how Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) reimagines its historical assets to drive sustainability and community value.
Once a site that powered early industry, it now empowers awareness, connection, and purpose - transforming the legacy of progress into a legacy of care.
Through thoughtfully designed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, Gemersek celebrates harmony between nature, history, and community - demonstrating how the past can illuminate the path toward a greener future.
From Hydro Power to People Power
Nearly a century ago, this serene site was home to the Ulu Pangsun Mini-Hydro Station - Malaysia’s second oldest hydroelectric facility and the first in Selangor.
Historical records show that the station, built in 1927 by prospector George Simms, harnessed the energy of Sungai Lepoh, Sungai Pangsun, and Sungai Lolo to supply electricity to the Sungei Besi tin mines and nearby villages - a symbol of early innovation and rural electrification.
Following its takeover by the British Government in 1933 and later by the Central Electricity Board (CEB) in 1949, the station became part of Malaysia’s early national power network. Despite sustaining damage during World War II, the facility was subsequently repaired and continued to operate for several decades before its decommissioning in 2002.
Today, the historic site has been reimagined as Gemersek Pangsun - an eco-retreat that continues to ‘power’ the community, this time through local employment, sustainability, and cultural renewal.
| Year | Historical Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1927 | Ulu Pangsun Mini Hydro built (2,200 kW) — second oldest in Malaysia |
| 1933 | Taken over by the British Government; became part of the early national electricity network |
| 1941 | Damaged during World War II, later restored |
| 2002 | Ceased operation |
| 2024 | Redeveloped as Gemersek Pangsun |
Caring for Nature, Preserving Legacy
Gemersek integrates the site’s historical essence with modern sustainability. Once a hydro station generating renewable energy, it now serves as a living classroom for sustainable practices.
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Circular Waste-to-Soil CycleFood waste from the site is transformed into organic fertiliser at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Research and reused in the landscapes and gardens - echoing the closed-loop efficiency once seen in the hydro system’s water cycle.
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Reclaimed Heritage MaterialsTimber from the original construction has been carefully reclaimed to form parts of compound fencing, while the structure of the former powerhouse has been preserved and thoughtfully adapted to its new function. Furniture and fixtures repurposed from TNB’s Port Dickson Resort, further mirroring the reuse of industrial heritage - giving new life to existing resources, much like the rebirth of the site itself.
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River Protection & Low-Impact DesignThe same rivers that once powered the hydro station are now sustaining the flow of biodiversity. Conservation efforts preserve water quality and maintain the ecological corridors that are vital to the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Trails and access roads are redesigned with low ecological impact, respecting the natural terrain and history beneath.
Empowering the People, Enriching the Place
Gemersek is not just a retreat - it’s a revival of local spirit. The same community once linked to the hydro station through electricity is now reconnected through opportunity.
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Local Employment & Skills DevelopmentMembers of the Orang Asli Suku Temuan community are now employed in maintenance, landscaping, and guest services - transforming their deep knowledge of the land into valuable hospitality expertise.
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Inclusive Access & Heritage AwarenessRefurbished trails and roads serve both guests and local villagers, fostering shared benefit. The café and event spaces, thoughtfully integrated within the preserved remnants of the hydro infrastructure, honouring its industrial roots - allowing guests to experience Malaysia’s early engineering legacy firsthand.
Reviving the Past, Sustaining the Future
Under TNB, Gemersek Pangsun stands as a symbol of continuity – evolving from power generation to community regeneration.
By aligning heritage preservation with green innovation, Gemersek showcases how history can inspire modern sustainability - paving the way for similar TNB initiatives across Malaysia.
It stands as a beacon of progress - rooted in history yet oriented toward sustainability, honouring the innovations of the past while nurturing the resilience of the future.
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