Beauty for a cause


By Olivia Miwil - 
KOTA KINABALU: The 2019 Miss Earth Malaysia is more than a beauty pageant.
It also offers contestants the opportunity to work with bodies dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals.



Fashion designer Melissa Magdalene Tiong, 21, from Kuching, Sarawak is doing her part to raise funds by selling coffee and cakes.
She said she is moved to voice out for animals, especially when there is a rabies outbreak in her state.
"Rabies are common in Sarawak. Some innocent (non-infected) dogs are being killed because of the disease.
"Back in my hometown, my friends and I helped to raise funds for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by selling coffee and cakes.
"That is why I want to voice out for these poor animals. I hope the authorities will find other ways to salvage (healthy) dogs when they deal with the rabies outbreak," said Tiong, who is among the 11 finalists gunning for the 2019 Miss Earth Malaysia crown this Friday.
Contestants from Sabah Melissa Dennis, 27 and Jeannifer Wong, 22, meanwhile, are collaborating with the Animal Lovers Independent Rescuer animal shelter as their advocacies for the pageant.
Melissa said they had been collecting funds from various communities, including students and tourists from China and Korea.
"The non-governmental organisation provides shelter for rescued and abandoned animals.
"Besides collecting funds, we are also raising public awareness that besides environment, animals also deserve not only our empathy but protection,” she added.

Comments