Penampang: Kota Kinabalu representative Kerinah Mah, 22, was crowned Unduk Ngadau 2017 at the Hongkod Koisaan, Wednesday night.
She beat 43 other beauties, taking home prizes worth more than RM73,000. This included an RM6,000 cash prize, an ATI scholarship worth RM25,000, an Almacrest scholarship worth RM20,000, a return air ticket to Bangkok among others.
Shareene Francis Loudin of Penampang and Arveyna Pamella Januin @ Abdon from Papar were named first and second runners-up.
Shareene received prizes worth RM11,480 which included RM4,000 cash, while Arveyna received prizes worth RM9,660, of which RM3,000 was in cash.
Angel Sungkadhamai Marshal @ Linus (Likas), Bibiana Artecca James (Tambunan), Sharlina Gilbert Mojinun (Klang Valley) and Vanessa Claria (Tuaran) respectively took fourth, fifth, sixth and seven places.
The month-long Kaamatan festival came to an end Wednesday on a moderate yet cheerful note with a RM1 million allocation to the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and yet another powerful display of multiracial and religious harmony that is uniquely Sabah's.
The spell of heavy rains and terrible traffic jam did not deter thousands of local and foreign visitors from flocking to the Hongkod Koisaan grounds to experience the carnival-like atmosphere.
Launched in Tambunan this year on May 1, the Kaamatan, which is traditionally the Kadazandusun thanksgiving celebration for a bountiful rice harvest, was celebrated at all levels from the districts down to villages and families throughout the month.
There had also been celebrations in the peninsula States of Johor, Perak, Penang as well as the Federal Territory of Labuan and Klang Valley.
For many years now, the spirit of the festival has been embraced by all races and faiths, each wanting to celebrate their own meaning of a harvest.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan Harvest Festival - Kota Kinabalu lass the top choice
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