Fifth instalment of Salt Trail Challenge Oct 27
KOTA KINABALU: The Salt Trail Challenge returns for its fifth instalment this year on October 27, aimed at raising funds to aid MERCY Malaysia, Sabah Chapter in its activities for the local community.
Race coordinator Jerry Ong said the event is held in collaboration with Sabah Parks, Sabah Amateur Radio Society (SARS) and PACOS Trust, to integrate participants with nature as well as the local community living near the trail.
“In the olden days, the trail had been the only means of communication to the outer world for the people. Today, the trail signifies the hope of the communities for better healthcare facilities and education rights.
“We want to show people the beauty of nature there, and the road that was used hundreds of years ago. We also want to integrate them with the communities in that area, to show them their lifestyle,” he said.
Jerry added that this year’s challenge is themed ‘Trail of Hope’ or ‘Waya do Kalansanan’ in the KadazanDusun language, symbolizing the hope embodied by the community around the trail in the past, present, and future.
In time to come, this community should be able to enjoy the development enjoyed by Sabahans living in more developed areas, he said.
Last year, the Salt Trail Challenge raised RM35,837, which enabled MERCY Malaysia, Sabah Chapter to continue its work for the Sabahan community. This year, Jerry said the goal is to raise RM50,000.
“Those interested can join the Salt Trail Challenge by paying the entry fee or raising funds with our donation cards, which can be collected from the MERCY Malaysia, Sabah Chapter office. All fees and donation cards should be submitted by September 28, 2018, and all cash donations are 100 percent tax deductible,” said Jerry.
MERCY Malaysia, Sabah Chapter chairperson Dr Anbarasu Ramalingam, said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) aims to raise extra funds to spread its work and functionality throughout Sabah, as most projects have been based in the Kota Belud area.
The NGO also plans to develop solar and hydro projects in future, as well as collaborate with other NGOs.
“We urge Sabah-based entrepreneurs and industries to come forward and give us the support to ultimately help the people here. We also encourage individuals with specific skills, such as engineering, with experience in setting up hydro and solar projects, to come join us so we can empower the local community by improving their standard of living.
“We are trying to build up our base and network, therefore, we welcome other teams and NGOs who could hold the same view to meet with us, so we could discuss a way forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Dr Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahamood commended the efforts that had been initiated by MERCY over the years.
“MERCY has been doing a great job here with a good track record of helping locals, particularly in the interior. That said, I urge the public, especially corporate teams, to not only contribute in terms of funds but to also participate and experience the trail for themselves,” he said.
Tengku Adlin added that the Salt Trail Challenge opens up the opportunity for adventure tourism as well as to promote nature adventure, with Sabah as a premier destination in the world alongside the Mount Kinabalu and Crocker Range trails.
The Salt Trail Challenge is divided into two categories, the Men’s Open and Women’s Open. Each category features a 16 km and 25 km distance.
The 16 km challenge will cover the route to and from Inobong Substation to Pogigimpaan Hut. Meanwhile, the latter challenge will cover the route to and from lnobong Substation to Kampung Terian.
Participants who are interested to spend the night in lnobong Substation before the challenge begins can do so by contacting MERCY Malaysia, Sabah Chapter’s office to arrange for accommodation.
For registration or further enquiries, contact MERCY Malaysia, Sabah Chapter at 088-272667 or 016-840 0208 (Ivy) or 019-311 6182 (Edna).