KUCHING: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) revved up East Malaysia with two back-to-back weekends of high-octane excitement as part of its nationwide Hilux Unleashed – The Ultimate Challenge campaign.
Held in Kota Kinabalu (May 10 – 11) and Kuching (May 17 – 18), the campaign delivered a thrilling mix of off-road adventures, lifestyle engagement, and community spirit — bringing the performance and versatility of the Toyota Hilux to life for East Malaysians like never before.
In Kota Kinabalu, the event began with a thrilling Treasure Hunt Challenge on 10 May, where 125 participants across 42 vehicles navigated a scenic and challenging route across Kota Kinabalu — from the bustling waterfront at Anjung to the winding roads and elevated views of Kokol Hill and the coastal beauty of Tuaran.
The journey concluded at the serene Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai, where winners were announced.
In Kota Kinabalu, the top winner was Dolumin Dommin and Team #32, followed by Teo Seh Tiong and Team #12 (first runner-up), and Rudy Borhan and Team #23 (second runner-up).
Just a week later, the challenge roared into Kuching, with 138 participants with 45 vehicles flagging off from UCSI Hotel.
The Sarawak edition brought the heat with a dynamic treasure hunt flagged, winding through iconic landmarks like Common Ground, Jalan Stutong – a thriving lifestyle hub to a bustling modern township Saradise, Lebuh Wayang - echoing Kuching’s heritage to Cat Statue at Padungan – the city’s iconic mascot and Samariang, semi-urban terrain with lush backdrops concluding at the scenic Damai Lagoon Resort.
These locations combined city driving and outer terrain, showcasing the Hilux’s seamless adaptability to both everyday routes and unpredictable conditions.
In Kuching, the top winner was Team Lee Min Qi #20, followed by Team Letizia Nicholas Steven #31 (first runner-up) and Team Serene Tan Yan Yu #15 (second runner-up).
The top three teams won prizes worth RM10,000; RM8,000 and RM5,000 respectively while the fourth to 10th placed teams won prizes worth RM500 each.
Highlights in both locations included gymkhana taxi rides – a crowd favourite for thrill-seekers, 3D panoramic view monitor Blind Challenge – demonstrating tech precision, precision driving demos and test drives, Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) merchandise booth and free vehicle inspections.
Visitors were impressed by the Hilux GRS variant, praised for its commanding performance and agile handling, particularly during the high-speed Gymkhana course.
Participants navigated real-world terrain that ranged from steep inclines to gravel paths and sharp turns, conditions that showcased the Hilux’s legendary quality, durability, and reliability.
“Hilux Unleashed is more than just a celebration of performance, it’s a celebration of people. Events like these allow us to connect with our customers on a deeper level, beyond the vehicles we build," said UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ravindran K.
"By creating real-world experiences that foster friendship and shared adventure, we’re not only showcasing what the Hilux can do, but what it stands for: trust, resilience, and a spirit of exploration," he added.
