KOTA KINABALU: This year’s Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant is a special one as the winner will be the first to hold a national title.
The annual pageant, running for the 64th time, was previously held at state levels.
It will feature a diverse group of contestants, said Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan chairman Joanna Kitingan.
The 51 finalists will do their final catwalk today, representing the 43 districts and sub-districts of Sabah and the eight Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association branches outside the state, namely Labuan, Sarawak, Perak, Melaka, Johor, Penang, Klang Valley and Putrajaya.For Queency Isabella Ladzrus, 23, and her younger sister Qheesthyna Issandra, 19, it is a case of “blood is thicker than water”.“We traded notes on how to improve our walks, the way we wave and respond to the questions from the judges,” said the elder of the Ladzrus sisters.
The Unduk Ngadau is open to Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus lasses aged 18 to 27.
Eighteen-year-old Richella Kan, said she was drawn to the competition to better her command in the mother tongue.
“We speak Bahasa Malaysia at home with a mix of English and thought that I should also learn Murut, my mother tongue.
“So, a couple of months ago, I signed up for an online class to learn the language.
“Right now, on a scale of one to five, I consider myself a two, an achievement from zero,” said Kan, who represents Kemabong.
Sandakan’s Joanne Elodea Jonis, who turns 27 next month, said her joining the competition would add a cap to her life before she ends her days as a single lady.
“Everything is very new to me. I never dreamt of joining but since I am already at the maximum age limit, I thought, ‘What’s the harm?’ Plus, it would be a good story to tell my children,” said Jonis, who teaches English at a primary school in Sandakan.
Tanjung Aru’s Jovita Claire Joseph, who stands at 180cm, said she has finally found a purpose for her height.
Some argue she may also hold the distinction of being the tallest participant to ever grace the Unduk Ngadau stage.
“Growing up, I was always in sneakers or slippers. I never needed high heels. But since joining the pageant, I now have two pairs of heels.
“I am always the tallest in class, school and among my family. I play netball and never felt I am pretty enough,” said the 19-year-old clinic assistant.
“I joined the pageant to build my confidence. Most importantly, now I know that being tall is not a curse and I will use this to my best advantage,” said Jovita.
The crowned beauty of the 2024 National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will take home prizes valued at RM100,000, including RM12,000 in cash, while the first and second runners-up will receive a RM10,000 and RM8,000 cash prize, respectively, plus other prizes.
The top seven contestants will also participate in a three-day intensive course at the Customary School in Tuaran to deepen their comprehension and expertise in Sabah’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Who will become the fairest of them all will be the highlight of the month-long Kaamatan Festival, which is regarded as the largest cultural and traditional event in Malaysia. The festival will be officially closed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
