By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, May 14: The 17th edition of the Miri Divisional “Dayung Sangon, Keligit Orang Ulu, Kumang Iban & Keling-Belawan” pageant semifinals kicked off today, featuring a total of 39 contestants vying for top spots in the finals which will be held on May 20 in conjunction with the Miri City Day celebration.
The contestants are spread over four categories—Keling-Berawan (11); Dayung Sangon (6); Kumang Iban (6) and Keligit Orang Ulu (16).
The semifinal event today was officiated at by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau who is also the Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak celebration chief advisor.
Dennis in his opening remarks disclosed that the Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak celebration committee has approved that the age requirement for contestants will be raised to 28, from the present 25. The new requirement would come into effect for next year’s beauty pageant.
“This is to allow more eligible contestants to take part in the contest,” he told the audience during the opening of the semifinal event for all four categories.
He added, beauty pageants like this are crucial as they are a platform to promote the unique ethnic culture of the contestants as well as promote tourism.
Also present were Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak organising chairman-cum-Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) supreme council member, Captain Bernard Idit and pageant organising chairwoman Belinda Kathy Khoo. — DayakDaily
