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SIBU, July 18: Ten Dayak women have been selected as finalists for the title of ‘Kumang’ at Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival (BDCF) on July 21.
They were from 18 participants for the preliminary round on Sunday (July 16).
The finalists are Clara Amanda Buyong, Marenny Radin, Caroline Lika Undi, Mitchelle Linjah Guntor, Angelina Rani Gawan, Jessica Ajik David, Kartina Bagan, Sherlingtia Mogan, Amelia Tina Naong and Maryline Dyna Alexius.
Organised by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), the BDCF Kumang pageant is one of the main highlights of the BCF festival every year.
BDCF Dayak Stage chief coordinator, Councilor Augustine Merikan said this year marks the competition’s 18th edition.
“We never miss organising this kumang competition every year.
“For this edition, a total of 18 beauties have registered in this competition but we have selected only 10 finalists to vie for the title of Kumang BDCF 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, SIDS Sibu chairwoman Angelyn Uchi Maseng said that the pageant committee prepared more lucrative prizes this year compared to previous years.
“This time, the organisers have prepared a bigger cash prize where 10 finalists will have the chance to win attractive cash prizes for the top three places,” she said.
The winner of the ‘Kumang’ title will take home RM5,000 in cash along with a crown, sash, trophy, hamper and flowers while the ‘Lulong’ (runner-up) winner will receive RM3,000 along with a sash, trophy and hamper. Third place which is for the title of ‘Selinggar Matahari’ will bring home RM2,000 along with a sash, trophy and hamper.
Consolation prizes in the form of RM600 in cash will be awarded to the fourth to tenth place contestants.
Angelyn said that the objective of the pageant is to introduce the traditional clothing of the Iban people in more depth, especially ‘ngepan indu’ to the younger generation.
“All finalists are required to wear ‘ngepan indu’ at the final stage later,” she said. — DayakDaily
