This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 27: Bukit Siol will continue to be the host venue for the annual Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (SIMBC) despite the Sarawak government’s plan to gazette it as a nature reserve.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that the mountain bike riding event could continue to be held at Bukit Siol despite its gazettement as such an event does not affect the environment.
“I think there is no need for the location (SIMBC) to be changed if Bukit Siol is turned into a nature reserve or a national park.
“This is because the people can ride their bicycles in a nature reserve or national park; it’s not like we are cutting the trees.
“In fact, I believe organising events in such a place (nature reserve) will elevate it even better. For me, mountain bike riding does not affect nature,” he told reporters after the closing ceremony for SIMBC 2023 at Bukit Siol in Petra Jaya here today.
Organised by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), this year’s event is celebrating its 20th edition. — DayakDaily
