Call to dedicate site for 4WD events

Daily Express

07-06-2025

Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025
By: Clarence Dol Text Size: One of the four-wheel drive vehicles in action during the competition. RANAU: A total of 28 participants from all over Sabah competed for the 19th Ranau Kaamatan International 4x4 Off-road Challenge held at Kg Lohan Ranau near here recently. Ranau Member of Parliament, Datuk Jonathan Yasin was present to officiate the competition organised by the Ranau Four-Wheel-Drive Association (RFWDA), and also saw off the participants in the annual event.
Advertisement In his speech, he said that every sporting activity carried out must have a special venue suitable for it to be carried out to avoid any problems arising. 'Last year, this extreme sport was held in Sungai Liwagu and caused long traffic jams and led to certain problems arising. 'That shows that every sporting activity carried out must have a special venue suitable for it to be carried out to avoid any problems for those not involved in the event. 'Therefore, I urge the chairman of this association to submit a special application letter to the Chief Minister to make this site a field or circuit for 4x4 events here,' he said.
Advertisement Jonathan said this would ensure that this extreme sports event would be a sport that could be developed better and avoid obstacles that hinder the progress of this sport in Ranau. In the meantime, he thanked the Ranau 4x4 Committee for providing all the energy, time, money and expertise in ensuring the smooth organisation of this programme. This 19th event, he said, proves that this association truly gives full commitment so that extreme sports in Ranau could continue to be held every year. 'This commitment also proves that this district needs a special permanent venue to be used as a site for organising extreme sports. 'This 19th organisation is not an easy thing because it means that the 4x4 sports enthusiasts here have focused their attention on this field for a long time. 'Thank you also to all the participants for their continued support for the organisation of this activity which can also contribute to the economy of this district and boost the name of Ranau in this event. 'We also thank all the contributors, including Kundasang Assemblyman Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Abidin MAdingkir and other parties who contributed to the realisation of this programme,' he said. Meanwhile, RFWDA Chairman Aliyu Zinin said, for the organisation of the 20th competition next year, he hoped that more participants including those from Peninsular Malaysia would participate. 'On this occasion, I thank Datuk Jonathan Yasin for his support, and especially to all the contributors who enabled us to successfully organise this programme this year,' he said. Also present were Alex and Reza from SFWDA, 4x4 association chairmen from Keningau, Kota Marudu, Brunei and other areas, staff from the Ranau Parliamentary Office and others.