By William Isau
SIBU, Aug 16: Twenty-year-old Kartina Bagan was in shock when she was crowned Miss Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival (BDCF) 2024 last night (Aug 15).
“I was not expecting to win the competition as the other seven finalists were all equally good,” said Kartina after receiving her prizes.
Hailing from Song, Kartina went home with the grand prize of RM5,000, including a crown, sash, trophy, hamper, and flowers.
She attributed her win to the support she received from her family and village community.
“My family members and village folk came all the way from Song to support me. This time, I wore an original Ngepan, which I rented for RM900, which included the services of a makeup and hair stylist.
“This Ngepan is more expensive and is an original one compared to the one which I donned in last year’s competition where I was a consolation prize winner,” she said.
An STPM graduate waiting to be accepted into a local university, she would be using the money for her education.
The youngest in a family of four children, she also thought highly of the other finalists.
“They are all friendly. We supported each other throughout the competition,” she added.
Kartina had previously won the 2023 Julau Kumang and placed third in the July 2023 Selangau Kumang.
Meanwhile, second place went to Felicia Jeffery, who received RM3,000, while Clarissa Rinya Setian placed third with RM2,000—both were also presented with a sash, trophy and hamper.
Additionally, a consolation prize of RM800 each was given to the remaining finalists—Angelina Rani Gawan, Slyviana Rinya Galing, Hermina Anthony, Natasha Malviana Nyandang, and Arabella Sunta Langkan.
The competition was held in conjunction with the BCF Dayak Stage Night 2024, which was officiated by Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, representing the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. — DayakDaily
