PAITAN: Candycyci Liakim was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) Paitan 2026 during the district-level Kaamatan celebration held at Datuk James Ratib Hall, Pekan Botition, on Sunday.
The 25-year-old beauty queen took home RM10,000 in cash, along with a sash, crown, trophy, bouquet and certificate of participation.
As champion, Candycyci will represent Paitan at the State-level UNK pageant to be held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), Penampang, later this month.
She is expected to compete alongside her twin sister, Caesyzizi Liakim, who was crowned UNK Lahad Datu 2026.
First runner-up went to Chellyana Tensu, who received RM5,000 in cash together with a trophy, sash, bouquet and certificate. Chellyana also finished as first runner-up in last year’s competition.
Second runner-up was Bridget Michael Bouniu, who won RM3,000 in cash along with a trophy, sash, bouquet and certificate.
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Prizes were presented by Datin Noriah Pg Ahmad, wife of Datuk James Ratib, who is also Vice-President of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), as well as State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister and Sugut Assemblyman.
Meanwhile, fourth to seventh places were won by Ester Cynthia Jebon, Mercy Clare Simun, Ewilyeolika Audreyanna John Ferry and Alicether Aiwie Greace Mobie respectively. Each received RM2,000, a trophy, bouquet and certificate.
Contestants placing eighth to 16th each received RM1,500 together with a trophy, bouquet and certificate.
A total of 16 contestants took part in this year’s competition.
The district-level Kaamatan celebration, which began on May 14, was officiated by Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, while the closing ceremony on Sunday was officiated James.
