Glamour for good: (From left) Joniston, Pyszkova and Hyellene picking up rubbish at the beach clean-up programme at Pantai Dalit in Tuaran.
KOTA KINABALU: Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszkova, has traded her crown for a green cause by joining a beach-cleaning programme at Pantai Dalit beach in Tuaran.
Pyszkova, who donned a blue cap and red flat sandals, joined fellow volunteers in collecting trash along the shoreline on Sunday.
She did not shy away from the heat and embraced the work, showing true commitment to preserving the environment.
Together with Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the state’s 64th Unduk Ngadau queen Hyellene Danius and runner-up Elldiwirna Saimen, they collected 402kg of trash.
“I am happy to be here for such an important cause,” said Pyszkova, adding that education and awareness are important in tackling global pollution and waste issues.
According to her, such effort could begin on a small scale by getting the community involved, which would eventually bring meaningful impact.
“It is essential to begin somewhere and inspire others to take action,” she added.
The 24-year-old outshone 111 contestants across the world at the oldest international beauty pageant held in Mumbai, India, last year.
The clean-up programme was co-organised by Sail Malaysia, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort and Discover Sabah Digital in collaboration with the Miss World Malaysia organisation.
Praising the participants, Bangkuai highlighted the global importance of environmental conservation.
He said maintaining beach cleanliness is vital not only for human enjoyment, but also for the safety of marine life.
“Pantai Dalit is a popular tourist spot, and maintaining its cleanliness ensures a positive experience for visitors and supports our community,” the state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister added.
Also present were Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha, Sail Malaysia Tuaran Rally chairman Datuk Mohd Pintaz Badar, Miss World Organisation chief executive officer and chairman Julia Morley CBE, Miss World Malaysia National director Dr Sean Wong and Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Women’s Council chairman Joanna Kitingan.
