The Star reporter Andy Chua was among the participants of Kemuyang Survival Rascom Challenge 2025 in Sibu.
The difficult terrain of Kemuyang’s hills in Sibu, Sarawak, were the focus of 370 people who took on Kemuyang Survival Rascom (Rajang Security Command) Challenge 2025.
Seasoned competitor Lucas Wong Sie Hong showed his prowess by winning the 10km Men’s Open category leaving Saidi Suni and Belton Mosolon in second and third positions respectively.
The 10km Women’s Open category saw Luk Teck Bing emerging as the winner, Amelia Sulee in second and Christina Ringgit in third.
The 6km Men’s Veteran category was won by Mohammad Shawal Rosli, ahead of Si Yong Teng and Jimmy Chen Chin Fah.
Regular hiker Celeste Teo took the 6km Women’s Veteran crown, leaving Lim Set Hiang (second) and Ling Mee Lee (third) in her wake.
Prizes comprised RM1,000 for the win, RM500 for second place, RM300, third, and hampers for fourth to 10th spots.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ninth Infantry Brigade of Malaysia commander Brig-Jen Jafri Sulaiman emphasised that the true achievement was not in the results but in the safe completion by all participants.
“That in itself is the greatest achievement. Winning or losing is secondary,” he said, commending organisers for prioritising safety.
Brig-Jen Jafri (centre) presenting the prize to Wong.
“No needed to be carried away on stretchers and this is worth celebrating,” he added.
Drawing from his own participation, he admitted the climb was demanding.
“I may not be very young but I am not that old either, still it was tough for me.”
This was Brig-Jen Jafri’s second time hiking in Kemuyang and he encouraged more frequent activities of this kind to build strength, health and unity among the community.
Recalling a similar uphill endurance challenge for soldiers, held two days before this public event, he noted that even the former found the terrain taxing.
“Some were out of breath. That is the reality of this demanding terrain.”
For Brig-Jen Jafri, the greatest value of the event laid in the spirit of camaraderie.
“The Kemuyang Survival Challenge 2025 provides an opportunity to build friendships, strengthen our bonds and nurture the spirit of camaraderie,” he said.
Looking to the future, Brig-Jen Jafri hinted at an even more exciting challenge next year with more interesting activities and attractive prizes.
