MIRI: Mel Dequanne Abar from Kota Kinabalu beat 22 other finalists from all over the country to win the coveted Miss Grand Malaysia 2019 title and earned the right to represent Malaysia in the Miss Grand International 2019 scheduled to be held in Venezuela on Oct 25.
Dequeen, as she is fondly called, will receive $40,000 (RM165,000) in cash and a one year stay in Bangkok where the Miss Grand International organisation headquarters is.
It was also a hattrick win for Sabah after Sanjeda John won the title in 2017 and Debra Jeanne Poh last year.
Saroop Roshi from Perak and crowd favourite Haara Kumar from Selangor came in second and third respectively. Both will be representing Malaysia at major international pageants.
All the top three winners received cash and prizes from the main presenter Nur Sajat Aesthetics and grand sponsors Clarel’s Malaysia, NuFinity and Borneo Medispa.
Dequeen also received a business class return flight ticket to Venezuela.
Three of the subsidiary titles went to Sarawakians, namely Miss Popular Vote, Emily Chieng, 18; Miss Beautiful Skin, Emily Elizabeth, 21; and Miss Elegant, Julie Minele, 20.
During the final, the 23 finalists started the opening round with a fiery dance performance wearing dresses designed by talented Sarawakian designer, Maatin Shakir.
The second round became more captivating as the finalists wore a limited-edition swimwear by Bikini Malaysia before completing in the final round in evening gowns.
Miss Grand Malaysia 2019 was held for the first time outside Klang Valley with Miri city as the host for a week from April 21-28 and giving the finalists fun-packed activities including visiting tourist attractions such as the Grand Old Lady, Miri Handicraft Centre, Piasau Nature Reserve, Miri Times Square, Miri Crocodile Farm and Coco Cabana Miri to name a few.
The national pageant is supported by Sarawak Tourism Board and Miri City Council and the organisation also announced that Miss Grand Malaysia 2020 will be held in June next year with Kota Kinabalu, Sabah as the host city.
Also present at the final were Miri mayor Adam Yii; Miss Grand International Organisation vice-president Teresa Chaivisut, Miss Grand International 2018 Clara Sosa from Paraguay and Miss Grand Malaysia Organisation executive producer Joshua O’Neill.
