KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will focus on promoting Malaysia's second highest peak Mount Trusmadi, which sits on the Crocker Range in interior Tambunan district, as a tourism attraction.

       State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said Sabah would support events that promote the biodiversity-rich 2,642m mountain.

       On Thursday (Feb 1), she pledged the ministry's full support for the inaugural Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon 2024 on May 25, organised by the Velocity Running Club together with the state Forestry Department and Tambunan district council.

       "It is time to promote Mount Trusmadi, the second highest mountain in Malaysia, and the natural beauty of the area, both locally and in the international arena.

       "I commend the organisers for taking the initiative to hold this international event which has the potential to develop into a new eco-tourism product.

       "Other than the climbathon, climbing enthusiasts should be encouraged to scale the mountain as a fitness activity," she added.

       Liew said the climbathon aims to raise awareness of the mountain, which is less well known than Mount Kinabalu.

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       Mount Trusmadi is reputed for its unique flora and fauna such as pitcher plants and several bird species.

       The climbathon organisers are hoping to draw 500 local and international participants.

       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 here.

       The climbathon will start at the Kupu-Kupu Gate in the Nuluhon Forest Reserve of Mount Trusmadi.

       There will be two categories: a 30km route for international climbers and a 21km route for locals open to men and women. Cash prizes totalling RM29,600 will be up for grabs.

       The climbathon is billed not just as a test of physical endurance and determination but also an opportunity to experience the "pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscape" of the area.

       "It is going to be an exciting and tough competition, given its challenging trail route," Musa said.