KOTA KINABALU: Organisers for this year’s annual 4x4 expedition, the Borneo Safari expect a tough and painstaking eight-day event due to the current wet spell, which could easily turn streams into raging rivers and mud pools into a quicksand-like conditions.

Recce chief and renowned hardcore off-roader, Voo Ken Yin, who had been out in the wilderness for the past two months to outline the track for the event (Oct 28-Nov 4), admitted that with the bad weather rainfall, the entire route could be in a ‘devastating condition’.

Voo, or better known as Ah Yin, told New Sabah Times yesterday, he foresees several changes to the 1000km track he and his team have set.

The trouble spots would be along the steep and slippery terrain, low-lying water-logged areas, broken and washed away bridges, and the worse he expects, are some rivers which may have to be crossed despite being flooded.

"During our recce assignment, we had to build several ‘bridges’ which been washed away, and we’re hoping these temporary bridges are still intact, or else, it could slow down the convoy," he said.

" We anticipate the worse hit areas are along the old Tongod timber track between Tanjung Sarang and Kudat and then the Trus Madi crossing to Keningau," he said.

Here a 30-40km off-road journey may easily see a big convoy (50 vehicles) tackling washed out terrain for up to seven hours or more."

"The Liwagu river along the long-abandoned Tongod track will be the main obstacle when it comes to river crossing, because this river will simply change its condition within minutes, and if it happens, then we have to take other alternative route, to avoid any mishaps.

"He pointed out another gruelling stretch of between 200-300km timber track from Poring Hot Springs in Ranau to Keningau, which they expect to tackle within three days. Again, the convoy will make a detour in case of a major landslide.

However, he said if team spirit prevails among all participants, most obstacles could be tackled together.

This year’s event has attracted 4 teams from Japan, three of them journalists.

One of them will be tying the knot during the event.

Last year, another Japanese, Haruhiko Yosih got married in style before taking his bride on a four-wheel drive journey and spent their honey moon on wheels in Sabah’s wilderness.

RTM has also confirmed to send its television crew to cover the event, while an Australian TV crew is waiting for the Malaysian Tourism Board’s confirmation.

Several participants from Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei have also confirmed their participants and the organisers are only awaiting news from a team from South Korea.

Voo advised all vehicle owners who will be joining the convoy to make sure their machines are in good shape, fitted with proper off-road tyres.

He said the scrutinising of all vehicles will be conducted on Oct 26-27 at the Sutera Harbour parking lots from 10am to 3pm.