Ulu Bendul:More than 900 local and international participants are taking part in the fourth edition of the Angsi Forest Challenge (AFC) 2026 at Ulu Bendul Forest Eco Park.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event, organized jointly by the Negeri Sembilan state government and the Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board, not only promotes trail running but also highlights the unique permanent forest reserves in the state as a popular ecotourism attraction. The challenge has attracted 45 international participants from countries including the United Kingdom, Thailand, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, France, Singapore, and Kazakhstan.
Negeri Sembilan Forestry Department director Ts Mohd Yussainy Md Yusop emphasized the increased focus on safety and risk management for this year's edition by introducing job hazard analysis. Department personnel conducted field inspections to identify potential hazards along the trails, ensuring participant safety and raising environmental conservation awareness.
The AFC 2026 offers a variety of routes, including 50-kilometre and 25-kilometre routes, as well as 14-kilometre and six-kilometre categories, and a two-kilometre Kids Trail for children under 12. The Kids Trail, introduced for the first time this year, attracted more than 50 young participants, providing early exposure to trail running.
Regarding ecotourism at Ulu Bendul Forest Eco Park, visitor numbers increased by more than 10 percent as of September compared to the 203,505 recorded the previous year. The tourism site received RM13.5 million under the 13MP First Rolling Plan allocation from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for facility upgrades expected to be completed within two years, enhancing amenities for recreational enthusiasts and tourists.