Here's why this Malaysian beauty queen Viru Nikah Terinsip was stripped of her crown

Malaysian beauty queen Viru Nikah Terinsip has been stripped of her title after a video she posted on social media sparked controversy. The 24-year-old, who won the Unduk Ngadau Johor pageant last year, faced backlash over a video from her Thailand holiday where she was seen dancing suggestively with scantily-clad male performers.

The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) formally withdrew her title, citing her behavior as unsuitable for a public figure. KDCA President Joseph Pairin Kitingan explained, “We do silly things and get carried away when holidaying. If the video did not go viral, no one would know it happened.” He emphasized that such behavior is not acceptable for someone representing the spirit of Huminodun, a mythological maiden symbolizing beauty and kindness.

“We were made to understand that she went on a private holiday with her family to Thailand. We do silly things and get carried away when holidaying,” he said as reported by a Moneycontrol report. “If the video did not go viral, no one would know it happened.”


KDCA President Kitingan admitted that “this would not be an issue if she was just an ordinary person.”

“There were a lot of mixed reactions, some saw the humour in her video, some sympathised, others were unhappy and complained. We [KDCA] do not want to be the target and attract unnecessary attention,” he said.

Despite the public outcry, Terinsip accepted the organization’s decision and relinquished her crown. She stated, “I joined the Unduk Ngadau competition by my own will and returned this title without coercion. The title is not everything. It is about believing and valuing myself. The title does not determine one's perfection or success. I am not perfect.”

Terinsip, a popular content creator-turned-beauty queen, acknowledged her mistake and expressed regret. “I respect my decision. I respect the organization's decision. I apologize for my action,” she said, as reported by The New Strait Times.