Jamawi (fifth right) with the Borneo Safari 2026 champions.
KOTA KINABALU: Aleshen Lo and co-driver Norlee Yap from Kota Kinabalu emerged overall champions of the 34th Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge 2026, which concluded after eight days of gruelling offroad action in Ulu Tongod.
The pair accumulated 1,927 points across 24 Special Stages (SS), securing a 76-point lead over their closest competitors to claim the coveted Borneo Safari Championship Trophy and RM135,472 worth of cash and prizes.
“I am so happy today. We practised hard to make sure we would be ready for this event and all the hard work paid off,” said Aleshen following the announcement of their victory.
Alexander Chang and Anderson Abdullah from Kota Marudu took the first runners-up position, receiving a trophy and more than RM84,967 worth of cash and prizes.
Koo Foi Loong and Velerick Martin from Keningau finished second runners-up, taking home a trophy and more than RM57,758 worth of cash and prizes.
The 34th edition of Malaysia’s biggest and longest-running extreme 4×4 event attracted more than 650 highly modified 4×4 vehicles and over 1,700 participants from East and West Malaysia, as well as 15 countries.
Flagged off on Oct 25 from the Sabah Tourism Board building along Gaya Street, the event took participants through the rugged terrain of Ulu Tongod, including abandoned logging trails within the Forest Reserve.
They faced muddy jungle tracks, steep inclines, V-gullies, landslides and multiple river crossings, with persistent rain adding to the challenges.
The event featured Competition and Tag On categories. In the Competition Category, 31 teams competed across 24 Special Stages, testing their driving skills, vehicle capabilities, endurance and teamwork.
Meanwhile, the Tag On convoys faced equally demanding routes throughout the expedition.
Several special awards were also presented during the closing dinner.
Jiverainer Allan Chin of Tag On F received the Borneo Safari Jungleman Award, while Jovinia John Yih of the Event Manager Team won the Borneo Safari Jungle Woman Award.
Competitor No. 139 from the Johor Team received the Borneo Safari Foul Up of the Year Award, while the pink Isuzu 2.2 Auto Premium, bearing registration number WQU 9882, won the Borneo Safari Vehicle of the Year Award.
Nazri Hashim of Offroad Paparazi Burger received the Fred Leong Award for excellence in visual storytelling through social media.
The Borneo Safari Environment Award went to the Sweeper and Environment Team, led by Hamka Abdul Wahid, while Tag On H, led by Serman Hassmar, received the Borneo Safari Team Spirit Award.
Organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), the event continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the region’s most challenging and internationally recognised offroad events.
SFWDA President and Borneo Safari Event Director Faez Nordin congratulated all participants for completing the expedition and thanked sponsors, partners, government agencies and supporting organisations for their contributions.
He extended special appreciation to Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which returned as Diamond Sponsor; Grantt Lubricants, which continued its support as Platinum Sponsor and Official Lubricants Partner for the 10th consecutive year; and PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro5 with Pro-Drive, the Official Fuel Partner.
He also acknowledged the contributions of media partners, volunteers, officials, medical teams, marshals and other individuals involved in ensuring the successful staging of the event.
Also present at the closing ceremony was Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Ja’afar, who officiated the event, together with representatives of sponsors, partners and supporting government agencies.
