Hills Worth Exploring

Hills worth exploring

PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians do not know many of the local tourist spots, although they were written about in international magazines, said deputy MCA Youth chief Datuk Ling Hee Leong.

“Many of us go to other countries for vacations and this is not wrong. But what about our own tourist destinations? Some of the best sight-seeing spots are in our own country,” he said.

He told reporters this at a press conference to announce the MCA Youth sports bureau's “Together Forward” Hill Climbing events.

The events are to be held at Bukit Larut (on July 1), Bukit Bendera, Mount Kinabalu, and the Cameron Highlands (dates to be confirmed later.)

“These places are not only beautiful but historical.

“One of our aims in these climbing expeditions is to promote local tourism and increase awareness of these sites,” Ling said.

The main objective is to promote and enhance the patriotic spirit in MCA, apart from advocating a healthy lifestyle among the youths and educating them on nature and the history of the hills.

Kg Tunku assemblyman Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou said some 500 participants, mostly youths, were expected to take part.

“We want the hikes to be a soul-searching experience for these backpackers, giving them a chance to absorb nature and learn important survival skills,” he said.

The organising committee hopes to create two records at Bukit Larut – to plant the party's flags from the base to the top and plant the Jalur Gemilang at the peak.

A midnight climbathon would be held for experienced climbers on June 30.

The other record is for 200 climbers to jointly hike up Mount Kinabalu, known as the world's longest staircase.

“We will get a special permit for the climbers,” Ling said.

The events are organised by the bureau, the Taiping MCA Youth division, the Backpackers Association of Malaysia and the Kamunting Hash House Harriers.

The committee welcomes members of the public to join in the climb.

“They can turn up at the venues on the day of the event,” said Ling.

The Star, Wednesday June 28, 2006