Castrol Malaysia and MediCOM Malaysia have successfully concluded the four-day, three-night Welfare and Health Mission to Long Busang, Belaga, taking Castrol Discover Borneo deep into Sarawak’s interior as part of a major medical and welfare outreach to the remote community.
As the mission’s main sponsor, Castrol supported the preparation and maintenance of participating 4x4s ahead of departure, including the use of Castrol CRB TURBOMAX with DuraShield™ Technology to help protect engines against heat, deposits and wear throughout the demanding journey.
The mission brought together MediCOM volunteers and medical personnel, experienced 4×4 crews, University of Technology Sarawak, Urus Setia Saudara Kita and other collaborators.
Departing from Sibu through Kapit, the convoy took 17 hours to reach Long Busang, four hours longer than anticipated, as severe road and weather conditions slowed progress across rough, isolated stretches of Sarawak’s interior.
Around half the route was off road, demanding close convoy coordination and long hours behind the wheel before the final vehicles arrived at approximately 3.00am.
For Grace Padan and Jasmine Saran, returning after the original Castrol Discover Borneo expedition, the journey revealed a very different side of Borneo.
What had previously been a story of discovery became one of endurance, teamwork and the realities faced by people travelling beyond Sarawak’s main road network.
Grace Padan said, “What stayed with me was not how difficult the road was, but what was waiting at the end of it. Meeting the community in Long Busang made you realise that journeys like this are part of how people stay connected to support many of us take for granted, and I am grateful we had the chance to experience and share that story.”
Once in Long Busang, MediCOM’s medical and welfare teams spent two days working with residents, delivering health and welfare support after bringing personnel, equipment and supplies across the same demanding route.
Joshua Tan, Head of Marketing, Castrol Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines, said, “Discover Borneo began by looking at how 4×4 mobility is part of everyday life across East Malaysia. Long Busang took that idea further, showing how mobility can become a question of access for communities separated by distance and difficult terrain. The journey took on an even greater purpose, and we were proud that Castrol CRB TURBOMAX with DuraShield™ Technology could support the convoy through the demanding conditions in getting there.”
Abdul Razak Mohamed, Secretary General of MediCOM Malaysia, said, “For communities like Long Busang, providing healthcare starts with being able to reach them. Bringing medical personnel, volunteers, equipment and supplies across difficult terrain requires considerable preparation and coordination, and having Castrol and our other partners behind the mission helped us carry out the work we came here to do.”
The Discover Borneo production team documented the journey from Sibu through the 17-hour drive into Long Busang, the mission on the ground and the return home. The resulting feature will join the five existing Castrol Discover Borneo episodes, extending the series into a story where the importance of 4×4 mobility goes well beyond adventure.
