Grace Dayang Padan wins KDS TikTok Merdeka Challenge

KUCHING: A video of the Jalur Gemilang backdropped by the beautiful landscape in Lawas was picked as the winner in the KDS TikTok Merdeka Challenge.

The competition, organised by the Information Department (JaPen), took place from Aug 18 to Sept 18 in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day.

Grace Dayang Padan, 31, the manager of her family’s homestay and cafe in Lawas said the spirit of patriotism, love for the country and pride of being a Malaysian prompted her to participate in the competition, with her entry garnering more than 24,000 views on TikTok.

“I am also very proud to be born and raised in Sarawak, with a hometown that is blessed with lush greenery as well as a peaceful and harmonious life among the various races and religions.”

According to Grace, the inspiration behind the video came from Sarawak’s beauty and the culture in her hometown.

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone, including the nurseries and schools in Lawas, were eager to decorate and display the national flag in conjunction with Merdeka.”

Grace won RM500 and was also given an e-certificate of participation.

The second place of RM300 went to Dennia Marcella Denis, a 19-year-old student from Lundu, whose video was on how Malaysians work together during the pandemic.

“She also highlighted how the government had been attentive in taking care of the people’s welfare during the pandemic.

“Meanwhile, third place of RM150 went to Mohd Fitri Untin, 26, from Kuching with his production of creative and interesting Merdeka greetings.”

Sarawak JaPen also mentioned that besides the competition on TikTok, a Selfie Wefie Merdeka 2021 competition was organised on Facebook.

“Florence Sebastian Unting, 42, from Saratok won RM300 in first place while Masnah Salus, 40, from Sarikei was second and Emma Abdul Rahman, 31, from Kuching, third.”