KUCHING: Kashwaria Panjanathen, 19, of mixed Iban-Indian parentage was crowned Miss CATS Kumang Gawai (CKG) 2019 at Aeon Kuching Central Mall yesterday.
She received a RM5,000 cheque.
First runner-up Grandy Mina Mihim, 24, received a RM3,000 cheque while second runner-up Lydia Yusreena Abdul Ellias, 24, went home with a RM2,000 cheque.
Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib-Alsree officiated at the crowning of Miss CATS Kumang Gawai 2019 beauty pageant.
Apart from that, Grandy was also crowned as Miss Darlie Smile; she received a RM2,000 cheque and Darlie products.
Asked how she felt after being crowned as Miss CKG 2019, Kashawaria replied, “I never saw it coming but I am really happy.
“Who knew that a girl with mixed Iban-Indian parentage would win such a prestigious title held in conjunction with the Gawai festive season?”
She was glad all her hard work for the competition paid off; she was punctual for the daily classes.
“I feel I have shown to the community that even though I have tanned skin, I am able to achieve my goal,” she told reporters after being crowned as Miss CKG 2019.
Grandy, who is Miss Darlie Smile and the first runner-up for Miss CKG 2019, told reporters she was grateful to be part of CATS Kumang Gawai 2019.
“This beauty pageant also helps to build up our confidence,” she said.
She said she did not expect to be crowned as Miss Darlie Smile as they were told during rehearsals to just smile throughout the competition.
Lydia, the second runner-up, was grateful to be among the top three winners.
“CATS FM told us about the various races in the competition and to me, it was not a big deal as it was also promoting the Iban culture to the public,” she said.
For Lydia, a Malay, the biggest challenge she had to face during the competition was fasting during the hot days.
CATS FM chief executive officer Mohd Iskandar Nawawi said the beauty pageant competition was being held for the third time.
“People thought it was just for the Ibans only but it was for all races in Sarawak,” he explained.
Mohd Iskandar added this year’s competition was livelier compared to previous years as they had received 95 participation forms.
“For next year’s competition, we hope to receive more sponsorships so that we can make it even grander than before and attract more participants,” he told reporters after the event.
Hanifah acknowledged that all the participants had their respective talents and hoped that they would be more confident now.
“Activities such as corporate social responsibility projects, grooming, public speaking and many more can help them to build up their confidence and their inner beauty,” she said.
The beauty pageant started off with a “Ngajat Lesung” performance.
After a “Ngajat” performance by all the finalists, there was a question and answer session for them.
CKG 2019 was sponsored by Aeon Mall, Darlie and UCSI Hotel was held yesterday at 1pm with performances by Sarawakian singer Shah Rezza, CATS FM announcer Alfairez J and Lucy M.
Also present were UCSI Urban Hotel and Convention Kuching resident manager David Liew, Darlie Sales Area Manager for Sarawak and Brunei Jefferson Chua and AEON Mall Manager Erwin Ranyes.
