BANGKOK: A costume inspired by the Terengganu legend of Ulek Mayang has won the Best National Costume at the Miss Grand International 2021 (MGI 2021) finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

       The costume created by Sarawak fashion designer Aldrin Grame was worn by Selangor-born 24-year-old Lishalliny Kanaran, who placed in the MGI 2021 top 20 while wearing the costume which is estimated to weigh approximately 50kg.

       According to mStar, Lishalliny was one of 61 representatives from different countries competing in the pageant.

       Founded in 2013, MGI is one of six major global beauty annual contests which focus on improving the quality of life for all and advocate the encouragement of education and awareness through their Stop The War and Violence campaign.

       Last year, Jezebel Robert represented Malaysia in MGI 2020 wearing a costume inspired by Mak Yong, and her attire was nominated by the jury as one of the top 10 best costumes.

       The story behind the theme of Ulek Mayang was originally an ancient ritual dance of worship as a traditional treatment by a bomoh for a fisherman who was spellbound by a sea princess who fell in love with him.

       According to the legend, the princess called five other sisters to fight the bomoh for the fisherman’s soul until the fight was resolved by the seventh princess who ordered everyone to return to their place of origin, including the princesses.