by David E.
KOTA KINABALU: Nov 2, 2026 – The 34th edition of the Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge 2026, Malaysia’s largest and longest-running extreme 4×4 event, drew to a close last night after eight days of challenging action in Ulu Tongod, Sabah.
The event began on 25 October from the Sabah Tourism Board building on Jalan Gaya, gathering more than 650 modified 4×4 vehicles and over 1,700 participants from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and 15 countries.
Participants were tested through muddy forest trails, steep slopes, V-shaped ravines, landslides, several river crossings and other difficult obstacles in the forest reserve area.
The Competition category involved 31 teams competing across 24 Special Stages (SS), while the Tag On convoy traversed the same difficult route with continuous rain adding to the challenge.
At the closing dinner here last night, the pair of Aleshen Lo and Norlee Yap from Kota Kinabalu emerged as overall champions with 1,927 points, leading their nearest rivals by 76 points.
They took home the Borneo Safari Championship Trophy, cash prizes and goods worth RM135,472.
“I am very happy today. We trained hard to make sure we were ready for this event and all that hard work paid off,” said Aleshen.
First runners-up were Alexander Chang and Anderson Abdullah from Kota Marudu, who took home a trophy and prizes worth more than RM84,967, while third place went to Koo Foi Loong and Velerick Martin from Keningau with a trophy and prizes worth more than RM57,758.
Organiser the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) said the event continued to build its reputation as one of the most challenging and internationally recognised offroad championships.
SFWDA President and Borneo Safari Event Director Faez Nordin congratulated all participants and expressed appreciation to sponsors, partners, government agencies and support organisations.
He gave special thanks to Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd as Diamond Sponsor, Grantt Lubricants as Platinum Sponsor and Official Lubricant Partner for the 10th consecutive year, and PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro5 with Pro-Drive as Official Fuel Partner.
Also present were Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Ja’afar, along with representatives of sponsors, partners and supporting government agencies.
Source: MAFFI
