KOTA KINABALU: Community sports associations should take the initiative to organise more sports and adventure events, such as marathons and jungle trek runs in Kiulu, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The State Tourism, Culture and Environment assistant minister said this is because Kiulu has the potential to be developed into a sports and adventure tourism hub.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman said Kiulu used to host the 4M Challenge, which is an endurance sporting event that was popular among adventure sports enthusiasts.
“Kiulu now annually hosts the Borneo Ultra Marathon, which attracts about 1,000 local and international participants,” he said.
This shows Kiulu has all the features to become an international-class sports and adventure hub," said Bangkuai.
He said the sub-district is now known as a popular community-based tourism (CoBT) destination.
"As the elected representative for Kiulu, I will fully support these events because it has potential to do well," he said at the launch of Malba Athletics Club in Kampung Malangang Baru here on Saturday (April 12).
During the event, Bangkuai was also briefed by Malba Athletics Club President Jossie Langkait and Sabah Region Sports Commissioner Sempini Langiton on the 1st Kiulu Open Athletics Championship 2025.
