THE Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge returns for its 30th edition from the Oct 30 to Nov 6, 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Event director and president of Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), Faez Nordin said that the annual event which was first held in 1991 and has since grown into one of the world's most famed and largest international 4x4 event, was proud to take its participants through the interiors of Kota Belud, this year, exploring some of Borneo's most natural beauty.
The SFWDA registered 470 specially modified four-wheel drive vehicles and some 1,200 participants from Sabah,
Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as enthusiasts from among others, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Australia and The Philippines. The men, women and machines are set to outwit the harsh and rugged abandoned jungle tracks of Kota Belud for seven days and six nights.
All participants were advised to prepare their vehicles early and conduct field trials for reliability and perform functional checks as well as ensuring everyone participating are in good health prior to the event.
The flag-off ceremony was officiated by Sabah Tourism, Cultural and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and his Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai as well as Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman on Oct 30 from the Sabah Tourism Board at Gaya Street.
The Borneo Safari consists of both competitive and non-competitive expedition sectors, designed to stress on the spirit of "mogitatabang" (working together), adventure, skilful and safe driving and recovery of vehicles, as well as clearing of obstacles along the track.
While all these challenge participants and their machines as they are tested to the extremes, they can also look forward to building new friendships and rekindling old ones while working together to clear obstacles and relaxing in rivers and over campfires throughout the week.
Participants are expected to return to Kota Kinabalu today (Nov 6) and will regroup for the closing ceremony and prize-giving dinner at the Hakka Hall tonight.
Look out for our larger coverage on the event.