Miss World team joins Sabah beach clean-up

The Miss World team, led by Chairman and CEO Julia Morley and reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova, recently arrived in Sabah, Malaysia, an ecological haven known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Their visit, part of the “Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Tour,” aims to highlight and support local environmental and humanitarian projects.

The team’s activities kicked off with an early morning beach clean-up at Pantai Dalit Beach in Tuaran, a crucial site that acts as a natural barrier against debris from the South China Sea.

The clean-up event, organized by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment in Sabah, saw a significant turnout. Volunteers, including international sailors from a global sailing event, joined the Miss World team to clear hazardous debris from the beach.

The collective effort resulted in the removal of 495 kilograms of waste, showcasing a strong community commitment to preserving Sabah’s natural beauty.

Humanitarian visits and community engagement

In addition to environmental efforts, the Miss World delegation engaged in various humanitarian activities across Sabah. They visited the Palliative Care Support Centre and the Sabah Autism Society, offering support and donations. Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew expressed the community’s excitement and gratitude for the visit, highlighting the significance of the Miss World festival and the team’s commitment to global humanitarian causes.

Julia Morley has been a consistent supporter of Sabah since 2022, and this year, her dedication was evident as she pledged US$20,000 to the Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu. The team also visited flood-affected homes in Kg Pogunon, Penampang, to assist in cleaning and distributing disaster relief packages. Additionally, they brought joy to children at Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Likas, delivering gifts to 45 young cancer and thalassemia patients.

“We congratulate Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and the people of Sabah and hope their initiative will inspire similar proactive actions worldwide from other coastal communities to play their part in preserving our precious environment.” Julia Morley praised the Sabah initiative.

Krystyna Pyszkova visited the Koisaan Cultural Village, located at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), where she experienced local cuisine, traditions, and dances. “We had such a beautiful visit at the cultural village,” she said, highlighting the bamboo dance (Magunatip) as her favorite part of the visit.

She emphasized the importance of education and environmental awareness, sharing her plans to establish the Integral Foundation, focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children.

Miss World future initiatives and global impact

The Miss World team’s visit to Sabah is not only a testament to their dedication to environmental and humanitarian causes but also a significant boost to local tourism. Their efforts will be documented as part of the “Beauty With A Purpose” documentary, showcasing Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture to a global audience.

Dr. Sean Wong, National Director of Miss World Malaysia, highlighted the importance of the visit in promoting Sabah tourism and supporting local communities. The team’s commitment to preserving the environment and aiding those in need resonates deeply with the Sabah community, exemplifying the true spirit of “Beauty With A Purpose.”

As the Miss World team continues their journey, their efforts in Sabah serve as an inspiring example of global unity and the power of collective action in addressing pressing environmental and humanitarian issues. Their visit underscores the importance of preserving our natural heritage and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.