The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, through the Forestry Department and TN9 Event and Apparel Company successfully co-organized the Forest Run 2024 in conjunction with International Day of forest on Sunday.
The event took place at the Berakas Forest Recreation Park, Mukim Berakas.
Present as the guest of honour and participating in the run was the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin.
Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Dayang Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab; Deputy Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Awang Haji Yusree bin Haji Junaidi and Dayang Noralinda binti Haji Ibrahim, department and division heads, senior officers from the Ministry, and 250 participants from the public who took part in the run.
The event began with a warm-up session and the official start of the race by the Minister, which included the 3KM Walk & Hike and 4KM Race, Walk & Hike categories.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event, the Forestry Department held exhibitions on the timber industry. wildlife management, forestry enforcement activities, forest recreation parks, and information on forest restoration activities and climate change initiatives. There were also cultural and nature-based exhibitions presented by the Pakatan Sang Jati Dusun dan Murut Association, highlighting traditions and lifestyles closely connected to the forest.
The Forest Run aims to raise awareness about the importance of natural resources, forest conservation, and fostering a love for nature, while promoting a healthy lifestyle within the community.
Community involvement in initiatives like these is essential to ensure the success of efforts to protect our natural heritage, while strengthening the understanding that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. – James Kon
