KBS to organise international-level marathon in Kelantan from next year

The Youth and Sports Ministry will organise an international-level marathon in Kelantan starting next year, said its minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said the east coast states like Kelantan had a big potential in becoming sports-tourism destinations at the international level particularly in the Southeast Asian region for the marathon lovers.

"I have discussed this matter with Datuk Rosmadi Ismail, the National Sports Council (MSN) chairman for Kelantan, in view of the FitMalaysia programme alone having received very encouraging response from the local people.

"We have found out it is very suitable for us to organise an international marathon in Kelantan and perhaps we can start the programme next year," he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan FitMalaysia programme at the Kelantan Youth and Sports Department Complex in Panji here, today.

More than 15,000 participants from all walks of life and ages participated in the FitMalaysia - a one-day fitness programme inculcating a healthy lifestyle in the community.

Asked on cooperation from the PAS government regarding the matter, Khairy said the ministry was always open to accept any party involvement.

"I am always open to any initiative from the state government in sports events. We can cooperate to organise sports events, but unfortunately so far, we have none.

"If state government does not have any initiative for that, we will carry the sports activity via Kelantan MSN," he said.