KOTA KINABALU: Wearing a Dusun Sandayo costume, Cassandra Ziana was crowned "Ratu Etnik" at the 2024 Jom Heboh Carnival here.
The 28-year-old freelance model and live streamer from Kota Kinabalu also clinched the Miss Popular title, earning votes from fans, friends, and family members who attended the event last night.
"I have participated in several pageants since 2016, but I have always placed second or third.
"Winning first place this time is truly rewarding, especially after the extensive preparation I made, focusing on my catwalk and expanding my knowledge about Sabah's ethnic groups and customs," Cassandra said when met at the carnival held at the Likas Sports Complex.
Cassandra said her manager had informed her about the competition only two weeks ago.
Together, they selected the Dusun Sandayo traditional attire, which originates from the interior areas of Sabah.
"As these areas are quite remote, my manager and I thought this competition would be an excellent platform to showcase the Dusun Sandayo costume to a wider audience," she said.
Among the nine finalists, Cassandra took home a cash prize of RM1,400, a perfume set from Yaya Empire, a makeup mirror set, a cake box set, a crown, and a queen's sash.
She also received an additional RM150 for winning the Miss Popular title.
First runner-up winner took home RM1,200, followed by RM1,000 for third place, RM800 for fourth, RM600 for fifth, RM500 for sixth, and RM400 for seventh place.
Contestants also showcased a variety of traditional attire, including the Sinipak by the Dusun Tindal of Kota Belud, Binongkoh by the Kadazan, Badu Sampit Sinipak by the Bajau Samah, and Kambay by the Kagayan, among others.