IPOH, Adventure sports enthusiasts in Perak have the opportunity to witness the prowess of off-road driving through the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) Grand Final 2023, taking place for 10 days from Dec 1 to 11.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a comeback last year in Bera, Pahang, this time the off-road motoring competition will shake the grounds of Kinta, Perak, for the second time since its inception in 1997.
Founder and Director of Rainforest Challenge and Rainforest Global Series, Luis J A Wee, stated that this event has attracted 300 participants and media representatives from Russia, Mongolia, China, South Korea, the United States, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Italy, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the host country, Malaysia.
"This event marks the beginning of the 26th edition of the four-wheel drive competition that has successfully introduced Malaysia to the world, ranking 3rd among the top 10 toughest off-road competitions globally, alongside events like Dakar Rally, BAJA Race, Le Mans 24hr Race, and Isle of Man Race.
"The organisation of RFC Grand Final in Perak is the second time it has been held since the first time in 2004. Every year, RFC Grand Final is organised in selected states during the monsoon rainy season at the end of the year and successfully attracts teams from no fewer than 25 countries," he said during the Participant Release Ceremony of the 26th RFC Grand Final at Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout in Meru Raya near here.
State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman, Khairudin Abu Hanipah officiated the function. Also present was Tourism Perak chief executive officer, Nurmalis Musa.
Luis said the event has achieved success in helping to enhance the country's reputation worldwide and subsequently achieving the objective of promoting Malaysia as a sports tourism destination, especially as a venue for international off-road motor racing championships.
"For the first time, RFC Grand Final will organise Miss RFC, an extreme 4x4 competition specifically for women aimed at encouraging and empowering women to take on the challenges of adventure sports like men.
"Miss RFC will be joined by 16 local participants who will be tested for their physical and mental endurance through 4x4 vehicle driving skills on specially designed obstacle courses within a set time," he said.
He added that 150 vehicles would traverse through forest trails and hinterland areas around Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, and Lenggong before returning to Ipoh for the closing ceremony on Dec 11.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency