THE Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development plans to revive the much-anticipated Tour de Malindo in 2024.
This annual fun ride-cycling event, which was last held in 2019, is a collaborative effort between the West Kalimantan government, Indonesia, and the Sarawak government.
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposed one-day event is scheduled to kick off in Balai Karangan, Kabupaten Sanggau, West Kalimantan Province, with the Serian Conference Centre, Sarawak as the finishing point for the event.
The event will cover a challenging route spanning approximately 62.2 kilometres.
On the same note, Abdul Karim said the ministry will strategise and improve events promoting nature-based and adventure sports, which have become a big draw in sports tourism.
The aim, he added, is to promote beautiful natural landscape and unique characteristics of each zone among outdoor enthusiasts across the country and abroad.
“As nature-based and adventure sports is still in its infancy in Sarawak, my ministry is in the process of establishing a locally based association to drive its promotion and improvement.
“We will be able to promote the sport among our locals once everything is in place, encouraging them to compete with competitors from other Malaysian states.
“With an ongoing academy, we should be able to attract our own local stars who will be ready to compete in tournaments alongside competitors from other countries,” he stressed.
He noted that the Lambir Eco Amazing Race, held in Miri on Oct 29 featured a number of other elements as attractions.
Abdul Karim said the Kemuyang Nature Challenge to be held in Sibu on Dec 1, is expected to draw 300 participants from throughout the state.
Sarawak, he assured, will foresee the expansion of the Spartan Race as one of the most anticipated international-level obstacle races.
“We are confident by working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts as well as several dedicated non governmental organisations (NGOs).
“This event will continue to boost the sports tourism industry by attracting more foreign and domestic participants from across the regions.”
