SIBU: Ten women will compete for the Miss Kumang title and crown at the Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival (BDCF) here on Friday (July 21).
BDCF Dayak Stage chief coordinator councillor Augustine Merikan said the competition is the highlight of the festival.
"We (the organisers) never miss this Kumang competition every year. For this edition, a total of 18 beauties have registered for the competition but we have selected only 10 finalists," he said on Wednesday (July 19).
They are Clara Amanda Buyong, Marenny Radin, Caroline Lika Undi, Mitchelle Linjah Guntor, Angelina Rani Gawan, Jessica Ajik David, Kartina Bagan, Sherlingtia Mogan, Amelia Tina Naong and Maryline Dyna Alexius.
Meanwhile, SIDS Sibu chairman Angelyn Uchi Maseng said the competition committee is offering more lucrative prizes this year.
"This time, the top three will win attractive cash prizes," she said, adding that Miss Kumang will take home RM5,000 along with a crown, sash, trophy, hamper and flowers.
The runner-up will receive RM3,000 along with a sash, trophy and hamper; and the third place winner will bring home RM2,000 along with a sash, trophy and hamper.
The fourth to 10th-placed contestants will be awarded consolation prizes of RM600 each.
Angelyn said the objective of the Kumang BDCF competition is to introduce the traditional attire of the Iban people, especially "ngepan indu", to the younger generation.
"All finalists are to don the 'ngepan indu'," she said.
