KOTA KINABALU: Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková, traded her crown for a cause, joining hands in a beach cleaning programme at Pantai Dalit beach in Tuaran on Sunday (July 21).
With no tiara in sight, Pyszková donned a blue cap and a red flat sandal as she joined fellow volunteers in collecting washed-up trash along the shoreline.
Despite her title as the world’s most beautiful, she did not shy away from the heat and embraced the work, exemplifying true environmental commitment.
Together with Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the state’s 64th Unduk Ngadau queen Hyellene Danius and runner-up Elldiwirna Saimen, as well as many others, they collected 402kg total in trash.
"I am happy to be here for such an important cause," said Pyszková, who stressed the importance of education and awareness in tackling global pollution and waste issues.
The 24-year-old, who outshone 111 fellow titleholders across the world at the oldest international beauty pageant held in Mumbai, India last year, said that such effort could begin on a small scale, by getting the community involved, which eventually would bring meaningful impact.
“It is essential to begin somewhere and inspire others to take action,” she said.
The clean-up was a collective effort, co-organised by Sail Malaysia, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort, and Discover Sabah Digital, in collaboration with the Miss World Malaysia Organisation.
Praising the participants, Bangkuai highlighted the global importance of environmental conservation, emphasising that maintaining beach cleanliness is vital not only for human enjoyment, but also for the protection of marine life.
"Pantai Dalit is a popular tourist spot, and maintaining its cleanliness ensures a positive experience for visitors and supports our community," the Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister added.
Also present were Sail Malaysia managing director, Sazli Kama Basha; Sail Malaysia Tuaran Rally chairman, Datuk Mohd Pintaz Badar; Miss World Organisation chief executive officer and chairman, Julia Morley CBE; Miss World Malaysia National director, Dr Sean Wong; and Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women's Council chairman, Joanna Kitingan.
