Malaysian Pageant Winner Loses Title Due to TikTok Scandal

Malaysian Beauty Pageant Winner’s Title Revoked
Viru Nikah Terinsip Lost Her Crown
Due to a Provocative Video She Posted Online, But Why?

A Malaysian beauty queen recently lost her crown after a provocative video of her dancing emerged online.

The South China Morning Post reports that Viru Nikah Terinsip, winner of the 2023 Unduk Ngadau Johor beauty pageant, had her title withdrawn after a social media video she posted sparked controversy. The footage reportedly inappropriately depicted her dancing for a pageant titleholder.

The 24-year-old Terinsip gained popularity as a beauty influencer on YouTube and TikTok after winning a beauty pageant in Malaysia last year.

She recently stirred up controversy by posting a 53-second dance video on her TikTok account, where she was seen dancing provocatively with scantily clad male dancers while on vacation in Thailand.

In response to the controversy, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) announced on April 8 that Terinsip’s title had been withdrawn.

The KDCA explained its decision by stating that the behavior depicted in the video did not align with the values expected of an Unduk Ngadau titleholder. The pageant traditionally honors Huminodun, a figure from Dusun mythology known for her nobility and grace.

Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the president of the KDCA, pointed out that “such behavior is unacceptable for a beauty queen who represents the spirit of Huminodun, even if it wouldn’t have been a problem if Terinsip was an ordinary person.”

Terinsip posted a video saying, “I was careless with my actions. I will humbly and honorably relinquish my winning title. Everyone makes mistakes, and I am not perfect. Whether you accept it or not is your choice, but please do not criticize my family and friends.”

Hu “inodun, a revered figure in Malaysian folklore, is associated with the Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival. Daughter of the Sabah god Kinoingan, she heroically sacrificed herself to end a devastating famine. According to legend, her scattered flesh transformed into rice plants, nourishing the people. Even today, the spirit of Huminodun is believed to reside within the rice grains, symbolizing her enduring connection to the land and its bounty.