KUCHING: The Ninth Borneo International Frog Race 2021 has received an overwhelming response, attracting participants from all over Borneo despite being held virtually for the first time.
“Sarawak is home to almost 120 amphibious species.
“The mountainous areas are home to countless plant and animal species such as pitcher plants, orchids, palms, birds and mammals.
“I hope the participants will also spend time after the race to visit some of our other protected areas, and get the opportunity to enjoy the rainforest, beaches, wildlife and Sarawak culture,” said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He was speaking at the launching of the Ninth Borneo International Frog Race 2021 on Zoom and streamed live on Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) Facebook page, on Thursday (Aug 26).
“This annual event also coincides with ‘Save the Frogs Day’ and is celebrated globally through 270 events in over 30 countries around the world, to highlight the conservation issues facing amphibians around the world.”
He said the organisation of the Ninth Borneo International Frog Race 2021 was the same as previous ears.
“We welcome ecotourism, conservationists, scientists, resource managers, students and others to the event organised every year by Unimas.
“It is also a community conservation movement that has the support of government agencies, drawing public attention to the biodiversity of Sarawak and Malaysia.”
He added that the race was also organised by the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Unimas with the support of other departments and his ministry.
“The race that will take place across Borneo is a photography competition that encourages participants to find and photograph frogs and other amphibians, along forests and farms at any location in Borneo.
“Besides that, it will also attract the public to visit the national park and forest areas in Sarawak.”
