TAMAN Putra Perdana in Putrajaya is set to hit new heights of excitement as it hosts the highly awaited Malaysian Tree Climbing Championship (MTCC) from Feb 21 to Feb 23.
This year, 44 participants from diverse regions, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Macau, and Hong Kong, will showcase their remarkable tree-climbing abilities.
Malaysian Society of Arborist (PArM) vice-president and MTCC 2025 chairman Puteri Noorlela Bahrun, 46, said spectators could expect to witness an international display of tree-climbing skills at the three-day event.
The 2025 Malaysian Tree Climbing Championship is organised by PArM with strategic partnerships from Putrajaya Corporation and Youth and Sports Ministry.
The tournament is divided into five categories – aerial rescue, ascent, work climb, belayed speed climb and throwline.
If a participant breaks a tree branch, he or she will bedisqualified from the competition, says Puteri Noorlela. — GRACE CHEN/The Star
Aerial rescue requires the climber to reach and safely lower an injured climber who is unable to descend without assistance.
The ascent event assesses a climber’s efficiency in attaching an ascent system to the ascent line(s), ascending to the bell, and transferring into a descent system.
The work climb event simulates tasks that are performed by tree workers and tests the competitor’s ability to move about a tree using a rope and harness to perform a specified task after which they must ring a bell.
In belayed speed climb, the climber who reaches and rings the final bell through a predetermined route from the ground in the shortest time is the winner.
The throwline event tests a climber’s ability to accurately place a sturdy climbing line in a tree at heights of up to 18.28m.
Judging at the MTCC is stringent, with a dedicated official monitoring each tree to ensure fair play, Puteri Norlela said.
To maintain the integrity of the competition, participants are prohibited from using harmful equipment like spikes or automated devices.
The competition, she said, was not just a test of skill and endurance.
“Tree climbers must also be tree huggers. So, if a participant breaks a tree branch, he or she will be disqualified.”
The MTCC has a rich history, having first taken place in 2018, followed by events in 2019 and 2023.
The upcoming championship marks the fourth series.
Beyond showcasing impressive climbing skills, the MTCC aims to cultivate a deeper awareness of arboriculture, inspiring a new generation of tree care professionals.
As climbers gather to compete and share knowledge, the event reaffirms the importance of preserving and caring for Malaysia’s lush natural heritage.
