PENRISSEN: A total of 32 motorsport enthusiasts, who are members of Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club, attended a one-day 4WD training workshop at Ma’asa Eco-Tourism and Event Centre, Jalan Semadang-Jambusan here.
The course was divided into two segments – theory and practical, conducted by Hansel Marcellinus, who is trained in the operations of four-wheel drive vehicles.
Hansel is a T15606 automotive engineering technologist with a Bachelor in Automotive Maintenance Engineering Technology (UniKL MFI) and a Diploma of Engineering Technology in Helicopter Maintenance.
The participants were shown the safety aspects that they ought to observe when behind the wheel, including the type and size of tyres to use on different surfaces.
They were also taught how to operate a 4WD vehicle on various surfaces, in various situations and conditions, in addition to the rescue method of “winching” – single recovery, double-line recovery and triple-line recovery.
They were also shown the recovery techniques and tools.
After that, the participants along with caretaker Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Willie Mongin went down to the track to try their driving skills.
One of the participants, Alloysius Kuyong, who is also the club’s deputy president, said it was a fruitful and informative workshop, and suggested that the club organise more of such workshop for members.
Another participant, Peter Apit, said with the knowledge he gained, he was more confident in operating his 4WD vehicle.
Meanwhile, Willie praised the club for being active in helping those in need, not only in the Puncak Borneo parliamentary constituency but elsewhere, including as far as Belaga in the central region.
“This is the kind of brotherhood spirit and farsighted vision needed to ensure the association continues to be relevant.
“We want the Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club to be one of the catalysts and movers in the Puncak Borneo parliamentary constituency so that we can prosper and progress.
“We do not want to form an association just for the sake of having an association. We want to be active, proactive and contribute to society.”
Willie also pledged a RM50,000 grant to the club to finance its activities.
Club president Marcellinus Meran disclosed that they planned to organise more activities next year, including the 4×4 Challenge at the club’s 4×4 track in Skunduk, Kampung Semadang, 40km from Kuching.
“The track will be completed by the end of this month and members can start training there by December.”
