Tuaran: Nur Sharmayza Hanim Samsuddin, who represented Lahad Datu Sabah Bajausama Association (PRBSS), was crowned Ratu Serimpak 2024, at the PRBSS Cultural Centre, here, on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old teacher defeated 15 other Bajausama beauties to win a specially-made “serimpak” (traditional Bajausama headdress), RM3,500 and a study scholarship.
In second and third places were Lisa Abd Latif, who represented Beluran PRBSS and Siti Yunisah Mohd Ruzaleh (Tuaran), respectively.
Lisa received RM2,500, while Siti Yunisah brought home RM1,500.
In fourth to sixth places were Nurul Hayati Padlan (Kota Belud), Baslizatun Asania Alli (Papar), and Nor Anisah Napurun (Tenghilan), respectively. Each of them received RM500.
The 16 finalists represented the Association’s branches in the State.
Before the competition was held on Monday night, they were also assessed through various Bajausama culture and lifestyle-related activities, such as making “penjaram” (traditional Bajausama cake), grating coconut, and pounding padi, among others.
Only six were selected to move to the next phase at the final stage.
The result was announced soon before the crowning ceremony on the Sabah Bajausama Cultural Festival’s last day on Wednesday.
The crowning was the highlight of the four-day festival, which started on Sunday.
Aside from the Ratu Serimpak pageant, other activities during the festival included the “betitik” (traditional musical instrument playing) competition, Soromas singing competition, and cultural workshops.
