style="text-transform: uppercase;">Kota Kinabalu: Trekking through rivers and steep trails with poor telecommunication coverage is no hindrance for some 80 people who took part in the Salt Trail Challenge on Saturday. The event, which was held for the third time, was jointly organised by Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter, Sabah Parks, Sabah Amateur Radio Society, Pacos Trust and Performance Sportz.

The event which took place at the Crocker Range National Park is a fundraising initiative called 'Trek and Raise Funds' where participants collected a minimum of RM600 to enter the challenge.

Funds collected will then be channelled towards Mercy Malaysia's on-going humanitarian projects for communities in the State.

Participants gathered at the Inobong substation as early as 7am for the flag-off by Mercy Malaysia Vice President Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng, Sabah Parks Director Dr Jamili Nais, Pacos Trust Executive Director Anne Lasimbang and Sabah Amateur Radio Society President Albart Henry.

"I was honoured to do the flag-off with our fellow organisers. We are incredibly grateful for the participation and enthusiasm from our supporters," said Dr Heng.

Some 40 volunteers from organisations were also involved in looking after the safety of participants throughout the Salt Trail Challenge which is divided into two categories – 25.5km and 18km.

The 25.5km trek is from the starting point, trekking through Kg Terian all the way to Buayan substation and back to Kg Terian, while the 18km trek begins from the starting point and ends in Kg Terian.

Participants will stay one night in Kg Terian, which is the host village, while a bazaar will be held by communities from Kg Terian and Kg Buayan who showcased their local delicacies and produce.

The Salt Trail is a route traditionally used by villagers when taking their produce to the weekly markets in the West Coast.

It is still used by those in far-flung villages in the area, especially in the upper Papar river and Tambunan area.