PENAMPANG: Frenerietta Sobitun has been crowned Unduk Ngadau for this year's Kaamatan or harvest festival.
The 25-year-old lass, who represented Sandakan, took over the role of the legendary figure Huminodun from former Unduk Ngadau, Maya Hejnowska.
Fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Kadazan Dusun, the primary school teacher wore Baju Labuk for her first Unduk Ngadau competition at Hongkod Koisaan here.
Present to crown the new Unduk Ngadau was Sabah Head of State's wife Toh Puan Norlida R.M Jasni.
The Unduk Ngadau pageant is one of the Kaamatan highlights, which celebrates Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan to save the people from famine to bring about a bountiful harvest.
From top 15, she advanced to the top 7 by confidently advocating that culture, agrotourism and nature could be promoted through technology and showcased through social media.
Frenerietta even sang during the first round of the question and answer session.
The following round, she was asked whether technology advance had affected the people's relationship.
In her reply, she said people should talk more with each other rather than staring at mobile phones if they wanted to improve ties.
Later, Frenerietta told the press that she was grateful to be crowned as the state level Unduk Ngadau for 2022.
"The victory is significant to me and I never expected it. This is a gift for my family.
"I will work with state agencies to assist youths to love our heritage," said the daughter of the Tambunan district officer. .
Frenerietta outshone 43 other contestants vying for the top spot, and walked away with RM120,000 worth of prizes.
The first runner-up Papar's Esther Marius and second runner-up Ranau's Deedee Cassandra Dallius brought home RM75,319 and RM62,779 worth of prizes, respectively.
The judges have chosen Penampang's Carolyn Tony for fourth placing, Kiulu's Allveanna Loimin for 5th; Kota Marudu's Evanatie Sannie for 6th and Inanam's Sylvernie Belinda Engelbert for the 7th spot.