Beauties lend helping hand to Sabah flood victims

KOTA KINABALU: They are not only beautiful, but strong and kind as well.

A group of former and current beauty queens had recently teamed up to help flood victims in Penampang and Kinarut, cleaning up their mud inundated homes as well as providing water among others.

The programme organised by the Sabah Unduk Ngadau Association saw the beauty queens among other volunteers putting on their working boots to help in scooping away mud and throwing away debris to help victims return to their homes as soon as possible.

Association president Ellyanti Nelson said they also delivered over 750 cartons of bottled water to victims who had problems getting clean water supply following the Sept 15 disaster.

“We will proceed to get another 250 cartons of water for others who have yet to get theirs,” she said in thanking volunteers and donors for their contribution to make this programme possible.

She said her association members and volunteers including state Unduk Ngadau (UNK) winner for 2005 Mandy Nandu, Kerinah Mah, UNK Sabah 2017 and Francisca Ester Nain, UNK Sabah 2019, had been excited to be part of the programme ever since it was proposed following the disaster.

The volunteers include the Tung Fatt Youth Lion Dance Association, Surelog 4x4 Kota Marudu, Team You Matter and The Male-Efficient.

Former beauty queens who joined in this programme since day one also included Leticia Bansin, UNK Penampang 2019, Annette Rebecca Januin, UNK Papar 2019, Viezyeci Hebron, UNK Semporna 2019, Esther Marius, UNK Likas 2019, Carrey Evanne Kim Lee, UNK Penampang 2021 and Miss World Malaysia first Runner Up 2021, Anya Kimberly.

Nelson said it was heartbreaking to see how the victims were living amongst the mud, while others had to take shelter at their friends and relatives’ homes.

“So many families were affected by the recent floods, and continue to suffer in the aftermath so we are trying to help in any way we can,” she said.

She called on the public to come together to help where possible, as unity and togetherness could help families rebuild their homes and their lives.

“Anyone who wishes to contribute and participate in our ongoing cause can contact the person-in-charge, Audrey at 019-5330404 for more information,” Nelson added.