PENAMPANG: The winner of last year’s Johor Unduk Ngadau title has had her crown revoked following a video showing her reaction to suggestive dances by male performers while on holiday in Thailand.
KadazanDusun Cultural Association (KDCA) president Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan announced that the association’s central committee made the decision after consulting various parties, including the KDCA Council of Elders and the Bobolians (ritual leaders).
“We understand that this was a private holiday for the Unduk Ngadau. She and her family had travelled to Thailand. However, the issue gained attention due to her status as the Johor Baru champion and the prominence of the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant in Sabah,” he told reporters at a press conference held at Hongkod Koisaan, here, Monday.
“If the video hadn’t gone viral, no one would have been aware of what happened.
“Because of her actions, the KDCA has faced scrutiny and criticism. Therefore, the KDCA central committee decided to revoke her title, and both the Council of Elders and the Bobolians have expressed their concerns,” he added.
Viru Nikah, also known as “Duyung Darat”, a popular content creator in Sabah, faced backlash after the video showed her excited reaction to male Thai dancers.
The video divided public opinion in Sabah, with some finding it offensive while others called for respect for people’s private activities.
The Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant takes centre stage during the Kaamatan Harvest Festival and hundreds of young women from various districts in Sabah, as well as Sabahans residing in the peninsula, eagerly try to win the title every year.
