Taanusiya Chetty wins Miss World Malaysia 2024

Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew (left) witnessing the crowning of Taanusiya Chetty as Miss World Malaysia 2024 by last year’s queen Saroop Roshi during the grand coronation event in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday night (Dec 3).

Kuala Lumpur's Taanusiya Chetty was voted the fairest of all and crowned Miss World Malaysia 2024 at the grand coronation event in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday (Dec 3) night.

The 24-year-old teacher impressed the judges with her elegance and intellect, earning her the title along with RM50,000 in cash and prizes.

She will represent Malaysia at the Miss World pageant next year.

Sabah’s Kelly Eleanor Tseu from Kota Kinabalu and Hantze Liow from Kuala Lumpur were named first and second runners-up, respectively.

Held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), this year’s pageant marked its second consecutive year in Sabah and is expected to return next year.

Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew witnessing the crowning of Taanusiya Chetty as Miss World Malaysia 2024 by last year’s queen Saroop Roshi during the grand coronation event in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday night (Dec 3).

Pageant director Dr Sean Wong hinted in his speech that Sabah’s natural beauty was the key attraction for hosting the international event in the state again.

Sabah’s Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew stressed the importance of such events for promoting tourism in the state.

"This event not only enhances tourism but also brings significant benefits to local industries by boosting brand visibility and providing valuable opportunities for local talents," she said.

Liew also highlighted how the Miss World mission of "Beauty with a Purpose" aligns with Sabah’s values, showcasing the state’s people and causes close to their hearts.

"This event was not just about crowning a new queen, but about empowering young women, inspiring change, and showing the impact that beauty with purpose can have," she added.

Newly crowned Miss World Malaysia 2024 Taanusiya Chetty flanked by first and second runner-up - Sabah’s Kelly Eleanor Tseu (right) and Hantze Liow from Kuala Lumpur (left) at the grand coronation event in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday night (Dec 3).

The 11 finalists spent five days in Kota Kinabalu before the grand finale, visiting tourist attractions and participating in CSR activities, including a beach cleanup at Dinawan Island and a Food Aid Charity Drive at Kampung Kironggu, Inanam.

The event was attended by notable figures such as Datuk Joanna Kitingan, chairperson of the KadazanDusun Cultural Association Women, and Datin Jeannette Tambakau, founder of Sabah Social Entrepreneurs and Ecodevelopment (Seed).

Two other Sabah contestants, Fillonie Francis and Lyn Sinsua, also made it to the top six.