25 Countries To Participate In Rimba Raid Lenggong 2024 Off-Road Challenge 

IPOH, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The longest off-road motorsport event in Asia, Rimba Raid Lenggong 2024, has attracted participants from 25 countries and will be held at Tasik Raban, Lenggong from Sept 25 to 29. 

The event, covering a 300-kilometre trail, is the longest in the region, traversing a 130-million-year-old forest, logging roads, river crossings, rocky paths, and several hills and mountains.

Rimba Raid founder, Captain Datuk Nik Huzlan Nik Hussain said that this ninth edition of Rimba Raid has confirmed participation from 25 countries, with a total of 279 participants expected.

"Last year, at Rimba Raid in Taman Negara Kuala Tahan, Pahang, only 50 percent of the 270 participants managed to finish the race. This time, we are aiming for over 75 percent to reach the finish line.

"This year's route is definitely challenging, including obstacles we’ve named 'Lurah Sampah' (Trash Gorge), 'Slope of Hope,' and 'Gate of Despair,' which will undoubtedly test the participants' skills," he said at a press conference after the Pre-Launch Ceremony of Rimba Raid Lenggong 2024 here today.

The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lenggong.

Nik Huzlan added that the routes to be used do not involve virgin forest areas, and the organisers have sought advice and guidance from the relevant authorities.

"All the tracks we will be using are old logging truck roads that have been abandoned for over 20 years, and we will be using only about a one-metre-wide section of them.

"We emphasise forest conservation, and whatever participants bring into the forest during Rimba Raid will be monitored to ensure they do not leave behind any trash," he said.

He noted that there are three competition categories -  MasterClass A, Class B, and Class C -  differentiated by the engine sizes of the vehicles used and that this year, the number of local participants has increased, exceeding the number of foreign participants, with a total of 167 local participants.

"In addition to local champions, international participants to watch include those from Thailand, Singapore, and especially Indonesia," said Nik Huzlan.

Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar expressed his gratitude to the organisers for choosing Lenggong as the ninth destination for the event, saying it will have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Lenggong.

-- BERNAMA