2 June 2009
MEDIA GO WILD IN ISUZU DURA-MISSION!
Members of the Malaysian media recently experienced an adventure drive of a lifetime courtesy of Isuzu Malaysia in the Dura-Mission Adventure 2009.
Ten Isuzu D-Max were used by the media on their visit to the remote village of Ba’Kelalan in Sarawak, a major source of the famous Adan rice, commonly known as Bario rice and Malaysia’s only commercial apple plantation. During the visit, the media were able to sample a variety of the fruit right from the farm including the local variety called Manalagi or Ba’Kelalan Apple.
Later, Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO Takashi Hata handed over the company’s donation to the people of Ba’Kelalan, a D-Max load of cement as this rare commodity requires a durable and powerful vehicle to transport to this extremely-remote group of nine villages located approximately 190km from the nearest town of Lawas, Sarawak.
On Day 2, the media took turns driving the selection of D-Max that included a Single Cab and Double Cabs Automatic and Manual. The roads were treacherous but the task was made simple with the extremely good traction offered by the vehicle’s Touch-on-the-Fly, allowing the drivers to select the appropriate driveline for the prevailing conditions. Added to that, the excellent torque delivery of the 3-litre Super Commonrail engine and the tenacious traction of the Goodyear Studded Sure Grip 7.50x16 ensured that the steepest of climbs and the muddiest of roads were tackled in third gear with supreme confidence.
While enjoying the magnificent views afforded by the vast Sarawakian countryside with its rolling hills and miles and miles of virgin forest, the convoy took on the challenging route lined with mud holes, river crossings and deep ruts.
“The drive was possibly one of the most challenging for both man and machine. The route we took from Ba’Kelalan to Lawas forms the sole land link for the people in this area and it underlines the harsh way of life they have to endure to have contact with the outside world or to get their daily needs. It is truly eye-opening,” said CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Takashi Hata.
After a night’s rest in Lawas, the convoy then left for the remaining journey to the Maliau Basin Conservation Area in Sabah, a highly-restricted nature reserve that is home to a myriad of flora and fauna including the famed Tembadau buffalo.
Once there, a scrumptious BBQ dinner awaited the hungry guests while the more adventurous headed off into the jungle for a guided night tour. It was a rewarding hike as there were a number of nocturnal animals spotted by the different groups, some of which can hardly be seen even in captivity today.
Early the next morning, a brilliant sunrise greeted the visitors as they embarked on their visit of the facilities including a hike to the tannin-coloured Maliau River and a climb up to the canopy walk. To give everyone a better perspective of the basin, a helicopter ride afforded a magnificent view of the basin including its rim and the famed 7-tier waterfall.
All too soon, the Dura-Mission 2009 had to come to an end and the media learned a lot about the rich diversity and natural beauty of the country. Equally important, they had the opportunity to experience the awesome performance, durability and comfort of the various Isuzu D-Max models.