2009/07/30

By Edmund Samunting

TUARAN: Ruhiang, a small village at the foothills of Southeast Asia's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, may soon become a hive of activity.

The tiny village, about 50km from here, has been identified as an excellent spot for paragliding.

Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Jahid Jahim said a group of paragliders from Korea who made their maiden jump from the village recently was in awe of the scenic countryside.

The paragliders were optimistic of the potential of Kampung Ruhiang to attract paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world.

"A jump from Kampung Ruhiang offers paragliders a spectacular view," said Jahid, who joined the maiden jump.

Jahid, who is also state assistant youth and sports minister, has asked the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and the Borneo Air Sport Ozone Adventure to promote the village as a paragliding spot.

STB general manager Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks said the board had promoted the village through tourism brochures.

"We have already received numerous enquiries from paragliders, locals and foreigners, interested to make the trip to Kampung Ruhiang," Charuruks said.