KOTA KINABALU: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew has announced that Sabah will be focusing on promoting Mount Trusmadi, Malaysia’s second highest peak, as a tourism attraction. Located on the Crocker Range in the interior Tambunan district, the 2,642m mountain is known for its rich biodiversity.
Liew expressed her support for events that aim to promote the mountain, such as the inaugural Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon, scheduled to take place on May 25. The event is organized by the Velocity Running Club in collaboration with the state Forestry Department and Tambunan district council.
The minister emphasized the need to raise awareness about Mount Trusmadi and its natural beauty, both locally and internationally. She commended the organizers for their initiative and highlighted the potential for the event to develop into a new eco-tourism product. Liew also encouraged climbing enthusiasts to consider scaling the mountain as a fitness activity.
Mount Trusmadi is less well known than Mount Kinabalu but is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, including pitcher plants and several bird species. The climbathon is expected to draw 500 local and international participants, with the aim of showcasing the mountain’s natural splendor and promoting eco-tourism in the area.
The climbathon will start at the Kupu-Kupu Gate in the Nuluhon Forest Reserve of Mount Trusmadi. It will feature two categories: a 30km route for international climbers and a 21km route for locals, open to both men and women. Cash prizes totaling RM29,600 will be up for grabs.
In addition to being a test of physical endurance and determination, the climbathon offers participants the opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscape of the area. Sabah deputy chief conservator of forests (operations) Musa Salleh and Velocity Running Club president Andrew Lian Awa, who is the race director, briefed Liew on the event during a courtesy call at her office in Kota Kinabalu.
“It is going to be an exciting and tough competition, given its challenging trail route,” Musa said of the climbathon. The event holds the promise of showcasing Mount Trusmadi’s natural beauty and attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.
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