KUCHING, Sept 9: A Sarawakian beauty created history when she grabbed the top spot in the prestigious Miss World Malaysia 2018 here on Saturday night.
Larissa Ping, a 19-year-old Chinese-Kenyah, was adjudged the fairest among the 12 finalists.
Ping not only walked away the title’s RM4 million tiara but also RM30,000 worth of cash, trophies and other prizes. She also won the Top Talent and Miss Photogenic sub titles.
Ping will represent Malaysia in the 68th Miss World 2018 to be held in Sanya, China, this Dec 8.
First runner-up was Shennon Jade, 24, from Kuala Lumpur, who brought home RM5,000 cash as well as a tiara and other prizes.
Sarawakian Naomi Sim, 26, came in third place, who walked away with a tiara and RM3,000 cash and other prizes.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Ping would be appointed as Sarawak Tourism Ambassador for 2019.
He was confident that after coming in as the winner, Ping would be able to help promote Sarawak at the international level and promote eco-tourism around the country.
“The event (beauty pageant) is watched by millions of viewers worldwide. I am proud Sarawak has been selected as one of the locations for this prestigious occasion,” said Abdul Karim after the gala dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, as well as the wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib. — DayakDaily
