KOTA KINABALU: TikToker turned beauty queen Viru Nikah Terinsip has been stripped of her title after her “wild”’ holiday video received public backlash.
The 24-year-old pageant winner, who won the Unduk Ngadau Johor title last year, has been stripped of her title by the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) despite apologising publicly through a 53-second long video posted on her TikTok account @_duyung.darat.
The matter was confirmed by KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who said such behaviour was uncalled for in a beauty queen that supposedly represents the spirit of Huminodun, a mythological maiden who has the total beauty of heart, mind and soul.
“We were made to understand that she went on a private holiday with her family to Thailand. We do silly things and get carried away when holidaying.
“If the video did not go viral, no one would know it happened.
“This would not be an issue if she was just an ordinary person, but she is an Unduk Ngadau (beauty queen), and a public figure. There were a lot of mixed reactions, some saw the humour in her video, some sympathised, others were unhappy and complained. We (KDCA) do not want to be the target and attract unnecessary attention.
“We hope that she will accept this decision well. Let this serve as a warning to all Unduk Ngadaus to not repeat the mistake,” he said.
Unduk Ngadau is a cultural beauty pageant that is one of the highlights of the Kaamatan (harvest) festival in Sabah.
In the video, Viru, was seen responding to several male dancers’ suggestive dance while holidaying in Thailand.
It was understood that KDCA central had proposed to KDCA Johor to strip Viru’s title following the controversial video.
Viru, who is a popular content creator and entrepreneur, in her apology video, indicated that she would humbly accept if her title is revoked, and apologised for her carelessness in posting such a video.
“I am thankful for all the beautiful words coming from netizens, and let’s focus on other issues and more forward.
“Most importantly, please leave my family and friends out as they are not involved in this matter. It is up to you whether you would accept (my explanation) or not, but this comes sincerely from my heart. Thank you for listening,” she said.
