A Malaysian beauty queen lost her title after a video of her dancing on a holiday to Thailand went viral on social media. Viru Nikah Terinsip, 24, won the Unduk Ngadau Johor title in 2023.
A video of her “dancing suggestively with scantily clad male dancers” while on holiday in Thailand went viral, soon drawing criticism.
She returned her title hours before Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan made the call to strip her of the crown, Independent reported.
“This would not be an issue if she was just an ordinary person,” Kitingan said, confirming the move.
“There were a lot of mixed reactions, some saw the humour in her video, some sympathised, others were unhappy and complained. We [KDCA] do not want to be the target and attract unnecessary attention,” he said.
“We hope that she will accept this decision well. Let this serve as a warning to all Unduk Ngadaus to not repeat the mistake,” Kitingan added.
Meanwhile, Terinsip also posted a video on social media saying she would like to return the title, “with honor and humbleness”.
“I joined the Unduk Ngadau competition by my own will and returned this title without coercion. I respect my decision,” she said. “The title is not everything. It is about believing and valuing myself.”
“The title does not determine one’s perfection or success. I am not perfect,” she said, adding “everyone makes mistakes”.
“I am thankful for all the beautiful words coming from netizens, and let’s focus on other issues and more forward,” she said.
“Most importantly, please leave my family and friends out as they are not involved in this matter. It is up to you whether you would accept [my explanation] or not, but this comes sincerely from my heart. Thank you for listening,” Terinsip said.