OVER 600 DOMESTIC, INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS JOIN TNBYY ULTRA 2024

GUA MUSANG, June 30 (Bernama) -- Given the unique biodiversity and attractive natural landscapes in Kelantan, 620 domestic and foreign participants took part in the ‘Tok Nenek Bubu Yong Yap’ (TNBYY) Ultra 2024 programme in conjunction with the state-level celebrations of the 53rd International Day of Forests themed 'Forests and Innovation'.

Deputy director-general of Forestry (Policy and Planning) Datuk Zahari Ibrahim said the fourth edition of this event received an overwhelming response not only from local participants but also from abroad, such as from China, the Netherlands, the United States, Chile, Great Britain, Iraq and Thailand.

He said the greening programme with the community, non-governmental organisations and government agencies, as held during this event, is one of the collaborative programmes involving the planting of various tree species to demonstrate the government's strong commitment.

"These efforts will be enhanced from time to time to assist the Forestry Department and the Kelantan government in promoting ecotourism areas within the Permanent Forest Reserve in the state," he said in his speech at the TNBYY Ultra 2024 Programme at the Eco Rest and Service (R&R) Lojing Highlands, here today.

Elaborating, Zahari said his department will continue to support the Kelantan Forestry Department in realising its goal of managing sufficient forests for better forest ecosystem services and environmental protection towards the sustainable use of resources for future generations.

"As of June 28, a total of 89.9 million trees involving 1,835 species have been planted nationwide, of which 9.27 million were planted in Kelantan.

"I would like to encourage more people in Kelantan in general, and everyone from various backgrounds and organisations to support this national greening agenda," he said.

The two-day TNBYY Ultra 2024 extreme sports programme, which began yesterday, comprised 10 categories - women's 25-kilometre (km) veteran and Open; men's 25km veteran and Open; men's 50km veteran and Open; women's 50km veteran and Open; and groups (duo and trio) - and participants are required to traverse winding routes such as rivers, trails and hills.

Meanwhile, Faruz Mustaffa, 54, and his 45-year-old wife Rahseni Senin, who emerged triumphant in the men's and women's 25km veteran categories, hope their achievement will serve as motivation for the younger generation to engage in extreme sports to strengthen their physical and mental endurance while gaining experience in exploring nature.

Faruz said he and his wife started participating in the TNBYY Ultra last year and found the route to be very challenging as it required crossing hillside slopes and rivers.

"We will train together whenever we have about two hours of free time to prepare for this programme because we are aware that the route is quite difficult," he said.

-- BERNAMA