Highland Safari gets underway
Published on: Sunday, May 05, 2024
By: Stefyanie Myla Micheal
Safiq (fourth left) with his team members.
RANAU: Highland Safari 2024 which took place for the first time in Kundasang on May 2 saw the participation of 130 heavily modified off-road vehicles.
“We always support this type of programme, even if the cost is a little low this time. Given the positive reaction, we will consider better allocation in the future.
ADVERTISEMENT
It certainly helps the local community and promotes Kundasang to a better level, said Member of Parliament Datuk Jonathan Yassin.
Jonathan praised the organisers of the first high-altitude offroad challenge for drawing participants from not only Sabah, but also Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei.
“Thank you to everyone who came from far away, hopefully everyone who participates will benefit a lot apart from being able to meet new friends and even see new techniques,” he said.
The program was coordinated by Sarayo Ikkiraon 4X4 Club and Mesilou Volunteer Club (MEVOC) and backed by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA). It spanned four days and three nights, ending on May 5.
ADVERTISEMENT
Organising Chairman Samsul Sinun said the event was a combination of 4x4 expedition and amateur challenge that involved competition along approximately 20km of challenging tracks.
From Kundasang town all the participants headed to Mesilou, Bambangan, Lipasu, near Mamut copper mine, before returning to Sinar in Mesilau on May 5.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Among the challenges through the wilderness is an extreme path, more so when it rains, which makes the track quite slippery.
“In addition, there are also areas that go through rivers and steep places. In the wilderness there will be many trees along the route that may prove obstacles,” he said.
Safiq Jamal from Tawau said it was his team’s first time participating.
“Our team has six vehicles, with 12 participants. Three competing vehicles and three from the support crew.
“We cannot express our excitement even though we have more than 10 years of experience participating in Borneo Safari. The spirit this time is quite different.
“We made preparations starting the month of fasting and have made preparations and training focusing on vehicles,” he said. They started off in Tawau two days before the event and were surprised by the change in weather.
“We didn’t expect the weather to be this chilly, despite having brought sweaters and blankets.
“We usually attend events in low and hot locations, but this time is different because we are in the highlands.”
Some 20 competitors are vying for the Highland Safari Challenge Trophy with a total prize worth RM11,500 this year and would have to complete nine Special Stages.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
