KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo Safari off-road racing challenge is more than just a sporting event, as it also helps boost Sabah’s tourism revenue by attracting participants from across Malaysia and abroad, says Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister said the event brought visitors to the state, generating economic activity and boosting tourism.
“I hope this event can continue next year, especially with Visit Sabah 2027 coming up,” he said at the closing ceremony of the eight-day 34th Borneo Safari yesterday.
He also presented prizes to the winning teams, along with subsidiary and special awards.
Local racer Aleshen Lo and co-driver Norlee Yap emerged overall champions with 1,927 points, taking home the championship trophy plus cash and prizes worth RM135,472.
Kota Marudu duo Alexander Chang and Anderson Abdullah finished second with 1,851 points, receiving a trophy, cash and prizes worth over RM84,967.
Keningau pair Koo Foi Loong and Velerick Martin came in third, winning a trophy and cash and prizes worth more than RM57,758.
Organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association, the event attracted over 650 modified four-wheel-drive vehicles and over 1,700 participants from Malaysia and 15 other countries.
The challenge also featured Competition and Tag On categories.
In the Competition Category, 31 teams took on 24 special stages, while Tag On participants navigated equally demanding expedition routes amid persistent rain.
