Miss Universe Malaysia's national costume for this year was inspired by Nasi Lemak

When it comes to national costumes, Malaysia sure knows how to attract attention. The national costume for Malaysia’s Miss Universe candidate was revealed on Tuesday (31 October) – and it’s themed after the country’s popular dish, Nasi Lemak.

Model Samantha Katie James came out in a white dress that was embellished with red – representing the sambal – an egg patch and sprinkled with brown “ikan bilis”. Of course, it also had “banana leaves” propped on her back. The costume was designed by designer Brian Khoo.

The 22-year-old James is not the only Malaysian beauty pageant contestant who has attracted attention for her national costume. In 2016, Malaysia’s national costume for the Miss Universe pageant was themed after the country’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The costume saw two “towers” respectively placed on each shoulder of winner Kiran Jassal.

Separately, a national costume for a separate international beauty pageant had put the spotlight on Malaysia earlier this month. The costume for Miss Grand Malaysia Sanjeda John angered many Indonesians for being themed after the “Kuda Kepang”, a traditional Javanese horse dance.

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