KOTA KINABALU: These are selfless beauties, indeed.

       Former and current beauty queens have teamed up to help flood victims in Penampang and Kinarut, cleaning up their muddy homes as well as providing water, among others.

       The programme organised by the Sabah Unduk Ngadau Association saw the beauty queens among other volunteers putting on working boots to help scoop away mud and throw away debris so that flood victims could return to their homes as soon as possible.

       Association president Ellyanti Nelson said they had also delivered over 750 cartons of bottled water to those who had been having problems getting clean water following the Sept 15 disaster.

       “We will proceed to get another 250 cartons of water to others who have yet to get theirs,” she said in thanking volunteers and donors for their contributions to the programme.

       She said that association members and volunteers including the State Unduk Ngadau (UNK) winner for 2005, Mandy Nandu, Kerinah Mah (UNK Sabah 2017) and Francisca Ester Nain (UNK Sabah 2019), had been excited to be part of the programme when it was proposed following the disaster.

       The volunteers include the Tung Fatt Youth Lion Dance Association, Surelog 4x4 Kota Marudu, Team You Matter and The Male-Efficient.

       Former beauty queens who joined in the programme from day one include Leticia Bansin (UNK Penampang 2019), Annette Rebecca Januin (UNK Papar 2019), Viezyeci Hebron (UNK Semporna 2019), Esther Marius (UNK Likas 2019), Carrey Evanne Kim Lee (UNK Penampang 2021) and Miss World Malaysia 2021 first runner-up Anya Kimberly.

       Nelson said it was heartbreaking to see how the victims were living amid the mud, while others had to take shelter in the homes of their friends and relatives.

       “So many families were affected by the recent floods. And they continue to suffer in the aftermath, so we are trying to help in any way we can,” she said.

       She called on the public to come together to help where possible, adding that unity and togetherness could help families rebuild their homes and their lives.

       “Anyone who wishes to contribute or participate in our ongoing cause can contact the person in charge, Audrey, at 019-533 0404 for more information,” said Nelson.