KOTA KINABALU: The 34th edition of the Borneo Safari off-road challenge concluded on Sunday (Nov 1) after an eight-day expedition through Ulu Tongod, with state officials highlighting the event’s role as a major driver for Sabah’s tourism economy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar praised the international competition for drawing global participants and generating revenue for the state, calling for its continuation ahead of the Visit Sabah 2027 campaign.
Kota Kinabalu duo Aleshen Lo and co-driver Norlee Yap claimed the overall championship after accumulating 1,927 points, taking home the Borneo Safari Championship Trophy along with cash and prizes worth RM135,472.
Runners-up Alexander Chang and Anderson Abdullah of Kota Marudu finished 76 points behind to secure over RM84,967 in cash and prizes, while Keningau’s Koo Foi Loong and Velerick Martin placed third, earning a trophy and prizes valued at more than RM57,758.
Organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), the Oct 25–Nov 1 event drew over 650 modified 4WD vehicles and more than 1,700 participants from Malaysia and 15 other countries.
Competitors navigated severe terrain across abandoned logging trails, muddy jungle tracks, steep inclines, and river crossings in Ulu Tongod.
The challenge featured 31 teams battling across 24 Special Stages in the main Competition category, while Tag On participants tackled high-difficulty expedition routes under heavy rain.
