KOTA KINABALU: The Trans Borneo Land Below the Wind (TBLBW) 4x4 expedition team has teamed up with the Malaysian Welfare and Disaster Charity Association (Amal Malaysia) to deliver necessities and cash to the Asnaf community in the interior divisions of Sabah.
Known as the Trans Borneo Malaysia Charity and Care Tour, the programme was implemented to deliver aid to parts of Sabah ahead of the expedition two weeks from now.
Aid assistance was badly needed to those heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, such as landslides and floods.
Funds contributed to the Asnaf community were donated by the Taqwa Foundation, as well as the public.
This community and social responsibility (CSR) programme will be divided into two series.
The first series covered Ranau, Mesilau and Kota Kinabalu, to where aid has been delivered by the TBLBW team.
For the second series, Amal Malaysia will be participating in the one-week TBLBW 2021 programme from December 12 to 19, starting from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna that will traverse through hardcore routes.
There will be four Malaysian charity associations involved besides teams from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and a broadcasting crew from Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) as well as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Taqwa Foundation, and three other officers.
"The overland expedition organised by North Borneo Explorer Sdn Bhd aims to discover hidden gems in Borneo, the land below the wind.
"The adventure also seeks to raise awareness for healthier lifestyles through outdoor activities," said Sabah Energy Corporation CEO Datuk Harun Ismail, which is one of the main sponsors of the event.
"SEC is proud to be part of the event and wishes the group a safe and successful seven-day adventure that will test their skills, endurance and 4x4 driving skills, especially in some of the unspoilt and remote places in Sabah," Harun said.
To date, 85 enthusiasts including those from Peninsular Malaysia have confirmed their participation since entries opened early this month. There are only few spots left.
TBLBW is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia (Motac), the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah (MTCE), the Sabah Tourism Board, and the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita).
Sponsors for this event include CST Tyres, Angkatan Hebat Sdn Bhd and the Sabah Energy Corporation.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is the patron of the event and he will be hosting the welcome dinner, as well as the official flag-off from the Kinabalu Tower on December 12.
