Joniston (seventh right) and Julinus (eighth right) with the winners of the 6th Kiulu Adelventure Challenge (KAC) in Kiulu.
KIULU: More than 700 participants competed in the 6th Kiulu Adventure Challenge (KAC) today, including international athletes from Brunei, the United Kingdom and Indonesia, as well as participants from Peninsular Malaysia.
Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who officiated the event and presented prizes to the winners, said the turnout demonstrates Kiulu’s growing appeal as a destination for outdoor and adventure sports.
“This event promotes domestic tourism by attracting local adventure enthusiasts to rural areas, and is also part of our ongoing effort to internationalise rural tourism in Kiulu and Sabah,” he said.
Joniston, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, added that Kiulu has become recognised as a destination for adventure sports, supported by its natural landscape and the district’s active involvement in rural tourism.
He said events like KAC help raise Kiulu’s profile, complement existing community-based tourism initiatives, and boost the local economy, with homestays, campsites and chalets fully booked and food outlets experiencing brisk business.
This year’s challenge featured multiple disciplines, including mountain biking, trail running and rafting, offered in both individual and team formats.
The programme also included several community activities such as traditional games, local craft displays and mural painting sessions, among others.
Also in attendance at the event which was jointly organised by Seri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) in collaboration with the Kiulu Tourism Association (KTA) is Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jimit.
