By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 9: Around 100 bodybuilders from Malaysia and neighbouring countries are set to compete in the upcoming Mr Keling Borneo International 2025, a unique event celebrating the legendary Iban warrior, Keling Gerasi Nading — revered for his courage and physical prowess.
Offering Malaysia’s largest bodybuilding prize pool of RM53,000 in cash, the two-day event will be held on May 16 and 17 across two venues — Buda Gym (10am–9pm) and Summer Mall (10am–7pm) — both located in Kota Samarahan.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the competition, jointly organised by Buda Gym and the Ministry, is the first of its kind in Sarawak to integrate cultural heritage with the sport of bodybuilding.
“Participants will don traditional Iban attire, or ‘ngepan’, while showcasing their muscle symmetry in the quest for the Mr Keling Borneo International 2025 title,” he said during a press conference at the Ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building today.
Snowdan emphasised that the event aims to celebrate and preserve Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage through sport, while also boosting tourism and international cultural exchange.
“This event will attract visitors, generate tourism revenue, and promote Sarawak as a unique cultural destination. At the same time, it fosters unity among diverse communities and gives local athletes a platform to proudly represent their culture on the international stage,” he added.
The event will also feature appearances by national sports icons such as para powerlifting world champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, renowned boxer Daeloniel McDelon Bong aka ‘Kilat Boy’, former Olympian Sapok Biki, football legends Ramos and Rames Sari, sprinter Watson Nyambek ‘The Flying Dayak’, powerlifter Stanley Robert, and seasoned bodybuilders Liaw Teck Leong and Nolan Chee.
Adding further colour to the event, various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will take part to showcase traditional Sarawakian attire and customs.
To date, confirmed participants include 15 officers from the Royal Malaysia Police, 13 from the Civil Defence Force, and athletes from Sarawak (30), Peninsular Malaysia (20), Sabah (8), Brunei (9), Kalimantan/Indonesia (8), as well as one athlete each from Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Buda Gym Enterprise manager and Sarawak’s veteran national bodybuilder Buda Anchah expect up to 50 more athletes to register in the coming days.
The competition comprises seven categories: Bodybuilding 70kg below, Bodybuilding 70kg-85kg, Bodybuilding 85kg above, Men Athletic Physique (170cm + 4 above), Men Athletic Physique (170cm + 4 below), Men Sports Physique (170cm + 4 above) and Men Sports Physique (170cm +4 below).
The prize breakdown for the Mr Keling Borneo International 2025 is as follows:
In the Bodybuilding category, the first-place winner will receive RM5,000, followed by RM3,000 for second place, RM1,000 for third, RM700 for fourth, and RM500 for fifth place.
For the Athletic Physique category, the champion will walk away with RM3,000, while second and third place winners will earn RM1,500 and RM800 respectively. Fourth place will receive RM500, and fifth place RM300.
Meanwhile, the Sports Physique category offers RM2,000 for the first-place winner, RM1,000 for second place, RM700 for third, RM500 for fourth, and RM300 for fifth place.
The Champion of Champions title comes with a RM2,000 cash prize, trophy and medal.
The opening ceremony will be officiated by Snowdan at Summer Mall on May 16 at 2.30pm.
