The Borneo Safari needs no introduction to the world of adventure, having established a reputation over the past 25 years as one of the world’s toughest 4X4 expeditions. As Sabah’s premier event celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia is joining in the festivities by sending one of its all-new Triton 4X4 pick-up trucks into the fray.
The Three-Diamond badge is no stranger to adventures in East Malaysia. Pajero and even older Mitsubishi Jeeps had been in the thick of Borneo’s 4X4 action since the Trans Borneo expeditions of the 1980s, which evolved into the Borneo Safari in 1991.
“MMM is glad to participate in the Borneo Safari event this year with the all-new Triton Adventure. Borneo Safari is one of Asia’s most gruelling off-road events and MMM is proud to say that the all-new Triton is set to conquer all terrain obstacles with its off-road driving capabilities,” said Chief Executive Officer of MMM, Mr. Yang Won-Chul.
The new Triton will be entered as a corporate vehicle, piloted by Borneo Safari veterans Paul Si from Sarawak and Lionel Yew from Selangor.
The Borneo Safari is an extremely tough event, taking the participants through various terrain challenges over eight days and seven nights. It is a challenge for the vehicles as well as the human participants.
The Triton is now being outfitted with the compulsory equipment, including a strong bullbar in front, reinforced rear bumpers, a Warn winch with 9,000-pound pulling capacity and GT Radial Komodo 35” tyres.
Even before crossing the start line, the hero Triton has already completed a long journey, starting out from Kuching, Sarawak early on October 17, passing through Miri, Brunei, Limbang and Lawas before arriving in the Sabah capital two days and 1,250 kilometres later.
The Borneo Safari will flag off at 9.30am from the Sabah Tourism Board building at Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu. The convoy will then proceed to Penampang for the opening Prologue Special Stages. Heavy traffic is expected as the event’s growing popularity over the years has swollen the number of entries, from around 20 cars in the early years to 250 last year and around 300 this time around.
Over the next few days, the participants will split into several groups and proceed to various camp sites, including Kampung Sungi and Kg. Tingkolod before tackling the hardcore stretches in the Rundum and Lagud Seberang area in the southwest region of Sabah. The convoys will then regroup in Tenom town before returning to Kota Kinabalu after eight days on the trails.
