Unduk Ngadau contestant becomes cyberbullying target, lodges police report

KOTA KINABALU: An Unduk Ngadau contestant has become a victim of cyberbullying after several disparaging remarks were made on social media, claiming that she received "special treatment".

Paitan Unduk Ngadau first runner-up Dewi Natasha Perumal Oddiar filed a police report on May 20 against a Facebook user under the name 'Wok Rai', who has since deleted the post about her.

Dewi Natasha, a 27-year-old radio announcer, in a Facebook post, said she wanted to clear her and her family's name and reputation by taking appropriate measures against those responsible.

"As an Unduk Ngadau contestant, I am saddened and disappointed at the statements about me and any Unduk Ngadau contestants that have ever been defamed by negative comments," she said.

Dewi Natasha said she filed the police report not as a form of confrontation but to ensure that such an incident will not happen again to other Unduk Ngadau participants.

Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Youth Council chairman Steve Johnny Mositun also defended Dewi Natasha, saying such disparaging comments on social media were unbecoming and urged users, especially the younger generation, to think before making statements online.

"Kaamatan (harvest festival) is aimed at uniting the people and KDCA is an association helping to ensure our culture thrives. Unfortunately, every year there are reports of unfavourable incidents.

"We in the Youth Council and all members support the contestant's move to lodge a police report or wish to claim sogit (fine or compensation) through the Native Court.

"We need to start a 'Stop Cyberbullying' campaign, and at the same time collaborate with other agencies and NGOs to ensure this does not become a trend as it has an unhealthy impact on the victims," he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 24).

Steve said that victims of cyberbullying experienced mental and psychological impact in their lives and the Youth Council viewed this matter seriously.

"Cyberbullying is also a contributing factor to depression. No one likes to be bullied in any way and everyone must be supportive against this as mental health is important for us as a society to move forward.