KOTA KINABALU: Inanam's Hyellene Danius was voted the fairest of 51 beauties and crowned as Sabah’s 64th Unduk Ngadau at the Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Friday. The 27-year-old school teacher at SJK (C) Tsi Sin in Tenom is also the first National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan queen following the elevation of the pageant from its state-level status this year. She took home prizes worth RM100,000, including RM12,000 in cash, a trophy and crown, ambassadorships with Flavettes Glow and IKS Sabah Products, plus other prizes.
Hyellenne was crowned by last year’s State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan queen, Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi, from Papar. Elldiwirna Saimen from Kiulu and Keningau's Monicka Majin were named first and second runners-up, receiving RM10,000 and RM8,000 cash, respectively. Both also took home trophies, sash, bouquets of flowers, among other prizes.
Johor's Romandawi Gapari finished fourth, Tenom's Liana Melve Grace Lias finished fifth, Tongod's Elviana Gunong came sixth and Kemabong's Richella Kan Siang came in seventh. The top seven winners 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, education sponsorships and funds, electronic toothbrushes, massage and spa vouchers, and a year's rice supply from Sazarice, among others. The Unduk Ngadau is among the highlights of the month-long Kaamatan (harvest) Festival, regarded as the largest cultural and.