Kota Kinabalu: Defending champion Roland Liew Sue Khiong carved his name into Borneo Safari history Sunday night after steering his Asli 4x4 (Powergine Enterprise Sdn Bhd) team to a third consecutive championship title, the first in the event’s 33-year history at the close of Malaysia’s toughest offroad expedition in Ulu Tongod.
The 33rd Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge 2025 ended after eight gruelling days through mud, rivers, steep inclines and landslides that tested both man and machine to the limit.
Flagged off on Oct 26 from the Sabah Tourism Board building, the event drew a record 641 modified 4x4 vehicles and more than 1,800 participants from 14 countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and as far as the United States and Europe.
Roland and his co-driver Sajeymee Janish scored 1,550 points over 20 Special Stages, finishing 47 points ahead of their closest rivals to retain the Borneo Safari Challenge Trophy and RM112,783 in cash and prizes.
“It’s been an incredibly tough route this year. Without the teamwork and spirit of our crew, this dream of retaining the title would not have been possible,” Roland said.
The first runners-up were Koo Foo Loong and Velerick Martin from Keningau, while Agustinus Asananen Bin Ara and Chia Ket Chong from Tenom took third place, with more than RM52,000 in winnings.
Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) President and Event Director Faez Nordin congratulated all winners and participants, saying the event once again proved to be a true test of endurance, skill and cooperation.
“Every year we raise the bar, and every year our participants rise to meet it. What makes Borneo Safari special isn’t just the competition, but the camaraderie and spirit of adventure that define it,” he said.
He thanked Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd for returning as Diamond Sponsor, UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd as Platinum Sponsor, and Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro5 with Pro-Drive as the Official Fuel Partner, alongside other supporting agencies and marshals.
At the closing dinner, Team Tag On C received the Team Spirit Award, while Bradley Mark and Marliana John, known as Turbo Girl Medic, were named Jungleman and Junglewoman of the Year. Low Kah Lin’s Land Cruiser LC79 was voted Vehicle of the Year, and content creator Cigu Wenddy won the Fred Leong Award for her viral Borneo Safari vlog.
