KUALA LUMPUR: The New Straits Times (NST) clinched first place in the Malakoff Amazing Hunt 2024, an exciting race involving 64 participants from 16 teams held around Kuala Lumpur last Saturday. 

Organised by Malakoff Corporation Bhd, the race offered a total prize pool of RM10,000, marking the second edition of its annual competition, which focuses on promoting sustainable living. 

Malakoff managing director and group chief executive officer Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib said the significance of the event in promoting sustainable development and fostering community engagement. 

"This event emphasises learning, engagement, and sustainable impact. It's not just about the competition but about fostering a shared vision for a sustainable future and for all to continue their commitment in environmental responsibility," said Anwar. 

Malakoff Amazing Hunt 2024 challenged participants with a range of activities designed to promote sustainable living. 

Teams engaged in upcycling tasks such as making toy cars from bottle caps and boxes, crafting tote bags from old T-shirts, and completing a walk hunt along Petaling Street. They also answered questions at checkpoints to gauge their understanding of sustainability.

All tasks had to be completed and submitted at the finish line by the 12 pm deadline to avoid penalties.

NST group leader Zuraimi Abdullah said this win is a testament to the team's dedication and creativity.

"It was not just a race; it was a journey into sustainable living. We had to think outside the box—literally, when turning trash into treasure—and rely on teamwork to cross the finish line," he said.

Malakoff Amazing Hunt 2024 brings together Malakoff stakeholders, including the Public-Private Partnership Unit (Ukas), Suruhanjaya Tenaga, and The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), as well as Alam Flora stakeholders like The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Pahang Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), and Putrajaya Corporation (PPj). 

The event also drew participation from other media representatives across various agencies, among others Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Bernama, and Utusan, further fostering collaboration and camaraderie among industry players.