Riders hope to establish cross-border Borneo motorcycle touring route

 

KOTA KINABALU: Motorcycle enthusiasts are eager to establish a cross-border riding route on Borneo Island as a new tourism product.

DZ Bikers Malaysia president Datuk Zailan Mohamed said he envisioned creating a unique adventure to attract bikers from around the world, allowing them to experience a journey from Sabah to Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan.

"However, there are challenges we must overcome with the Indonesian authorities to enable bikers to move freely," said Zailan during the Kembara Borneo 2023 flagging-off ceremony at a hotel here held in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

The event was flagged off by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

A convoy of 40 riders from Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei has embarked on a journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching that will pass Miri, Sibu, Serian and Pontianak, from Sept 10 to 15.

The riders and their high-powered machines will celebrate Malaysia Day in Kuching on Sept 16.

Zailan hopes to meet Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in Sibu, as the royal entourage is currently in the Sarawak leg of the Kembara Kenali Borneo after completing the tour of Sabah.

"We hope that Malaysian and Indonesian authorities can cooperate to allow us to complete the loop, as the route includes passing through Nusantara, the new capital of Indonesia, before exiting toward Tawau and Sandakan," said Zailan.

"This will be a significant milestone for us because our ultimate goal is to promote motorcycle tourism in Malaysia," he added.

Regarding road conditions, he said hoped for well-maintained infrastructure, especially considering the size and power of their bikes.

"I had a memorable riding journey in 2015, when I rode from Keningau to Maliau Basin, Tawau, and Sandakan. It is experiences like this that fuel our passion for biking.

"Wherever we stop along the way, there will be a welcoming group waiting for us, fostering a sense of brotherhood among us," Zailan noted.

He said the group also focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

In the past, they have helped flood-affected areas in Johor after the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Joniston wished all the riders a safe journey on their adventure to commemorate Malaysia Day.

"This programme holds the potential to foster greater integration between Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia.

"I hope everything goes smoothly, and we look forward to future endeavours together," he said.

-nst online.