Press Release: Launch Of "Save Our Rainforest Race 2018"

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 6 - The Save Our Rainforest Race 2018 (SORR 2018) was officially launched by the Organization For The Preservation of Natural Heritage (PEKA Malaysia) at Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur today.

PEKA expects 2,000 participants of all ages to take part in the annual race with the aim of planting tree 1,000 trees.

The event, which runs into its sixth edition this year, will be held at the Hutan Simpan Gading in Hulu Selangor, Selangor on Saturday, March 24, 2018.

PEKA President, Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil said the 15km race will start and end at the Pelangi Hill Resort Camp. There will be several 'check points' throughout the race to test and expose participants on the importance of rainforests.

The race trail will include scenic routes along the Kerling Hot Springs in Hulu Selangor.

Similar to previous years, SORR 2018 aims to educate participants on the conservation and preservation of forests.

Previous editions of SORR:

2013: Hutan Lipur Chamang, Bentong, Pahang

2014: Hutan Simpan Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur

2015: Hutan Lipur Kuala Woh, Tapah, Perak

2016: Hutan Simpan Sungai Menyala Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

2017: Taman Negara Pulau Pinang, Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang

Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina had at the launch of SORR 2018, hoped the race will be a platform for the public especially the young to appreciate and better understand the importance of preserving rainforests.

She said PEKA Malaysia is concerned about indiscriminate logging nationwide which has affected water catchment areas and the loss of wildlife habitats.

Given the present state of affairs, she added PEKA Malaysia will continue to champion issues concerning the destruction of our national treasures and advocate the reforestation activities.

Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina stressed the importance of forest conservation efforts to protect the eco-system, reduce effects of climate change and preserve water catchment areas for the benefit of Malaysians and Malaysia.

Students from Cempaka School had, during the launch, performed a pantomime titled 'Cut The Greed, Not The Green' - which is also the theme of SORR 2018.

Representatives from companies sponsoring SORR 2018 were present at the event. They include main sponsor UMW Toyota, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Tanah Aina Sdn Bhd, Women's Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia, Pembinaan CW Yap Sdn Bhd and several other supporting sponsors.

Others present include representatives from Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia (JPSM), Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Selangor and founder and mentor of Cempaka School, Dato' Freida Mohd Pilus.

Each participating team comprises two individuals.  The registration fee is RM160.00 (per team).

To register, please visit PEKA Malaysia's website (www.pekamalaysia.org) or contact Haikal at 017-9019920), Andy (017-3302633), Bazlinda (019-2422625) or Rahman (017-9019920).

Enquiries can also be made via email at sorr2018@gmail.com