# Miss Malaysia

Miss Malaysia is a national beauty pageant in Malaysia.

## Notable winners of Miss Malaysia

* Tengku Zanariah Tengku Ahmad (Miss International Malaya 1960) – Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia from 1984 to 1989.
* Yasmin Yusoff (Miss Universe Malaysia 1978) – veteran actress, singer, radio presenter, former model
* Michelle Yeoh (Miss World Malaysia 1983) – international actress
* Fazira Wan Chek (Miss World Malaysia 1992) – actress, singer, TV host, businesswoman, model
* Rahima Orchient Yayah (Miss World Malaysia 1994) – businesswoman, former model
* Soo Wincci (Miss World Malaysia 2008) – actress, singer, model
* Thanuja Ananthan (Miss World Malaysia 2009) – model, TV host, actress, humanitarian activist
* Deborah Henry (Miss Universe Malaysia 2011) – motivational speaker, TV host, humanitarian activist, former model
* Rubini Sambanthan (Miss International Malaysia 2014) – model, actress
* Dewi Liana Seriestha (Miss World Malaysia 2014) – won Miss World Talent award in Miss World 2014 which then making her the first woman from Malaysia to receive the special award.
* Alexis Sue-Ann Seow (Miss World Malaysia 2019) – model, emcee, fashion blogger
* Francisca Luhong James (Miss Universe Malaysia 2020) – the first indigenous woman to win the title of Miss Universe Malaysia.
* Nisha Thayananthan (Miss Earth Malaysia 2021) – full-time doctor, part time model
* Lavanya Sivaji (Miss World Malaysia 2021) – full-time doctor, model

## Miss Malaya

Before Malaysia was formed, Malaysian representatives represented the whole nation with a title of "Miss Malaya".
Color keys
* : Declared as Winner
* : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
* : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
* : Ended as special awards winner

### Miss Malaya Universe

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards | Ref |
| 1962 | Sarah Alhabshee Abdullah | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | | |
| 1963 | Nik Azizah Nik Yahya | Kelantan | did not compete | did not compete | |

### Miss Malaya International

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 1960 | Zanariah Zena Ahmad | Kelantan | Unplaced | |
| 1961 | Helen Tan Hong Lean | Kuala Lumpur | Top 15 | |
| 1962 | Brenda Maureen Alvisse | Penang | Unplaced | |
| 1963 | Jasmin Mariam Idris | Kuala Lumpur | did not compete | did not compete |

## Titleholders at Big Four pageants

Malaysia has been represented in the Big Four international beauty pageants since 1960. These are Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth.

### Representative to Miss Earth
## Dewi Malaysia
### Representative to Miss Planet International

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2022 | Nur Syafiqah Ibrahim | Kuala Lumpur | TBD | TBD |
| 2020 | Nur Aishah Nordin | Selangor | | |
| 2019 | Viviana Lin Winston | Kuching | 2nd Runner-Up | |
| 2018 | Brenie Sea | Kuala Lumpur | | |
| 2016 | Wenanita Wences Angang | Kuala Penyu | 1st Runner-up | Best in National Costume |
| 2015 | Cheryl Joanne Chan Fan Nyuk | Kota Kinabalu | | |

## Miss Supranational

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2024 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| 2023 | Deidre Ann Walker | Kota Kinabalu | Top 24 | |
| 2022 | Melisha Lin | Gombak | Top 24 | |
| 2018 | Sanjna Suri | Kuala Lumpur | Top 25 | |
| 2016 | Julylen Liew Ei Ling | Kota Kinabalu | Unplaced | |
| 2015 | Tanisha Demour | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Top 3 - Best National Costume Top 10 - Best Body |
| 2014 | Audrey Loke Pui Yan | Selangor | Unplaced | Best Smile |
| 2013 | Nancy Marcus | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | Miss Talent |

## Miss Grand Malaysia

Color keys
* : Declared as Winner
* : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
* : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
* : Ended as special awards winner

### Representative to Miss Grand International

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2021 | Lishalliny Karanan | Shah Alam | Top 20 | Best National Costume Lottery Prizes Event 2nd Place - Miss Popular Vote Top 20 - Best in Swimsuit Top 20 - Pre-Arrival |
| 2020 | Jasebel Robert | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Popular Vote Top 10 - Best National Costume Top 25 - How to get to know you in 1 minute |
| 2019 | Mel Dequanne Abar | Kota Kinabalu | Unplaced | 2nd Place – Miss Popular Vote Top 10 – Best in Swimsuit Top 10 – Best National Costume Top 10 – Pre-Arrival Top 21 – Fashion Show |
| 2018 | Debra Jeanne Poh | Labuan | Unplaced | Top 5 - Miss Popular Vote Top 10 – Best National Costume |
| 2017 | Sanjeda John | Kota Kinabalu | Unplaced | Top 5 – Miss Popular Vote Top 20 – Best National Costume |
| 2016 | Ranmeet Jassal | Subang Jaya | Top 20 | Top 10 – Miss Popular Vote Top 10 – Best National Costume |
| 2015 | Santhawan Boonratana | Kelantan | Unplaced | Top 3 – Miss Popular Vote Top 20 – Best National Costume |
| 2014 | Jane Koo | Penang | Unplaced | Top 20 – Best National Costume |
| 2013 | Michelle Madeleine Moey | Penang | Unplaced | Top 20 – Best in Swimsuit |

### Representative to The Miss Globe

In 2017, the first runner-up was sent to Miss Intercontinental pageant. In 2018 and 2019, the runners-up were unable to compete at international level due to lack of sponsorship. Started from 2021, the first runner-up of Miss Grand Malaysia pageant will be sent to The Miss Globe pageant.
| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2023 | Manvin Khera | Kuala Lumpur | The Miss Globe 2023 | Miss Talent |
| 2022 | Sarah Cynthia | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Malveen Kaur Gill | Senai | Top 15 | Head to Head Challenge |
| 2019 | Saroopdeep Bath | Ipoh | did not compete | did not compete |
| 2018 | Kate Avella Cantwell | Papar | did not compete | did not compete |

### Representative to Miss Intercontinental

Since 2018, the second runner-up of Miss Grand Malaysia pageant will compete Miss Intercontinental pageant.
| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2022 | Jeevasheni Anang Kodiappan | Kuala Lumpur | TBA | TBA |
| 2021 | Poorani Rajoo | Kuala Lumpur | Top 20 | |
| 2019 | Haaraneei Muthu Kumar | Selangor | Unplaced | |
| 2018 | Scarlett Megan Liew | Penampang | Top 20 | |
| 2017 | Sanjna Suri | Ipoh | Top 18 | |
| 2014 | Nicole Bungan Langdon-Down | Miri | Unplaced | |
| 2013 | Julies Lucas | Miri | Unplaced | |
| 2005 | Yuki Koay Lee Chuen | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2004 | Soo Wincci | Selangor | Unplaced | |
| 2003 | not available | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2002 | Anya Lim Chai Ying | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2000 | Surita Lim Mei Sinn | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 1984-1998 (incomplete or no data) | 1984-1998 (incomplete or no data) | 1984-1998 (incomplete or no data) | 1984-1998 (incomplete or no data) | 1984-1998 (incomplete or no data) |
| 1977 | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |

## Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant

PAGEANT’S BACKGROUND
D’Touch International Sdn. Bhd., a name synonymous in the beauty pageant industry both locally and internationally, started way back in 1989. To date, D’Touch has successfully organized more than 55 Miss Malaysia Finals and 47 International Beauty Pageant World Finals.
Since the company’s inception in 1990, D’Touch International has crowned 118 Miss Malaysia Winners and 150 World title-holders. This record has propelled D’Touch International as the leading Pageant Producer in the world.
D’Touch International is also the Franchisor of 6 International Pageant Titles such as Miss Tourism International, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International, Miss Tourism Metropolitan International, Miss Tourism Global, Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International and Miss Chinese World. These Pageant Titles are now franchised to more than 80 countries worldwide.
D’Touch International Sdn. Bhd. is a fully fledged event management and promotion company. It is helmed by Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi, the President & Franchise owner, a fellow Malaysian who dared to dream the great, and envisioned putting Malaysia on the world map.
Color keys
* : Declared as Winner
* : Ended as runner-up or top 5/6 qualification
* : Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists
* : Ended as special awards winner
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism | Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen Of The Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Metropolitan |
| 2024 | Mathi Malarchelvi | Wynwie Hilston Lai | Alysha De Cruz |
| 2023 | Jen Cheang Shi Hui | Joanne Clare Deaves | Shelyn Poh |
| 2022 | Phoebe Ong Yi Huui | Anita Mae Loh Swee Ying | Ellen Rachel |
| 2021 | How Zo Ee | Rachel Tee Hsu Xin | Yoong Jia Yi |
| 2020 | | | |
| 2019 | Cheryl Loo Wen Nee | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2018 | Caenne Ng | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2017 | Melissa Ng | Lee Jia Ling | Crystal Tung |
| 2016 | Ng Shin Ying | Thalia Thin | Tiong Li San |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism | Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen Of The Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Metropolitan | Miss Malaysia Tourism Global | Miss Malaysia Chinese |
| 2015 | Xandria Ban | Rishon Shun | Elaine Chong | Janet Fabian | Not awarded |
| 2014 | Ranjani Rajamanickam | Shirley Hew | Joey Ong Ai Ee | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2013 | Thaarah Ganesan | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2012 | Yong Wan Jun | Yen Wai Yee | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2011 | Aileen Gabriella Robinson | Eugenee Ooi | Jennifer Yap | Ilinca Tan | Low Lai Kim |
| 2010 | Gabriella Ashley Boudulle | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2009 | Not awarded | Subathra Jeyabalan | Yvonne Lee | Weena Marcus | Not awarded |
| 2008 | Angela Ching | Yuanie Kung | Angelreena Lim | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2007 | Joann Chan Suit Yee | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2005 | Not awarded | Gurdev Kaur | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2004 | Not awarded | Lavence Lim | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2003 | Carrie Lee | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen Of The Year | Miss Malaysia Asia Pacific |
| 2001 | Arase Sathivel | Not awarded |
| 2000 | Carla Soong | Lim Sui Pei |
| 1999 | | |
| 1998 | | |
| 1997 | Karmen Khor | Not awarded |
| 1996 | Zoee Tan | Not awarded |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists | Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant Elemental Court Titlists |
| Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism | Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen Of The Year | Miss Malaysia Tourism Global | Miss Malaysia Chinese | Miss Malaysia Intercontinental | Miss Malaysia Dreamgirl |
| 1995 | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Carol Lee | Frennie Hew | Not awarded |
| 1994 | Emelia Rosnaida | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 1993 | Not awarded | Susan Manen | Evan Chin | Not awarded | Rachelle Ng | Not awarded |
| 1992 | Not awarded | Not awarded | Kelly Phua | Not awarded | Not awarded | Penny Soon |
| 1991 | Not awarded | Not awarded | Datin Angelyn Phua | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 1990 | Not awarded | Stephanie Law | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded | Not awarded |

### Representative to Miss Tourism International

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2024 | Alysha de Cruz | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | Miss Sunway Popularity Miss SOGO Trendsetter |
| 2023 | Jen Cheang Shi Hui | Kuala Lumpur | 3rd Runner-up (Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International) | Best In National Costume Miss Friendship |
| 2022 | Phoebe Ong Yi Huui | Sabah | 6th Runner-up (Miss South East Asia Tourism Ambassadress) | |
| 2021 | How Zo Ee | Selangor | 4th Runner-up (Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International) | Top 5 – Best in Talent |
| 2020 | Lim Sue Anne | Kuala Lumpur | 6th Runner-up (Miss South East Asia Ambassadress) | Miss Glamorous Carlo Rino Miss Sheng Tai Lifestyle Award |
| 2019 | Cheryl Loo Wen Nee | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss GINTELL Wellness Miss Glamorous Carlo Rino |
| 2018 | Caenne Ng | Kuala Lumpur | 5th Runner-up (Miss South East Asia Ambassadress) | Miss Popularity (Online Voting) Best National Costume |
| 2017 | Melissa Ng Sook Khuan | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | |
| 2016 | Ng Shin Ying | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Talent |
| 2014 | Ranjani Rajamanickam | Kuala Lumpur | Top 20 | Miss Friendship |
| 2013 | Thaarah Ganesan | Kuala Lumpur | 4th Runner-up (Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International) | |
| 2012 | Jun Yong Wan Jun | Kuala Lumpur | 4th Runner-up (Dreamgirl of the Year International) | Miss Talent |
| 2011 | Aileen Gabriella Robinson | Kuala Lumpur | Miss Tourism International 2011 | |
| 2010 | Gabriella Ashley Boudulle | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Best National Costume |
| 2009 | Edweena Marcus | Kuala Lumpur | 3rd Runner-up (Miss Tourism Global) | Best National Costume |
| 2008 | Angela Ching Cheau Thung | Kuala Lumpur | Top 15 | Miss Friendship |
| 2006 | Brenda Chew Sze Rou | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | Miss Friendship |
| 2005 | Ivylyn Tan Theng Theng | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | |
| 2004 | Melissa Theseira | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Friendship |
| 2003 | Carrie Lee Sze Kei | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | |
| 2002 | Jacqlyne Chin Kim Lu | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | |
| 2001 | Lyndel Soon Gaid Sim | Kuala Lumpur | 4th Runner-up (Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International) | |
| 2000 | Mabel Kang Chor Peng | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | |
| 1999 | Michelle Tung Mei Chin | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Friendship |
| 1998 | Ooi Bee Bee | Kuala Lumpur | 3rd Runner-up | |
| 1995 | Lavinia Tan Poh Ling | Kuala Lumpur | 1st Runner-up | |
| 1994 | Emylia Rosnaida Abdul Hamid | Batu Gajah | 1st Runner-up | |

### Representative to Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2021 | Rachel Tee Hsu Xin | Malacca | Unplaced | |
| 2017 | Lee Jia Ling | Kuala Lumpur | Top 29 | Best in Talent Best in Social Media |
| 2016 | Thalia Thin | Kuala Lumpur | Top 20 | Best in Talent |
| 2015 | Rishon Shun | Sabah | Top 12 | Miss Friendship |
| 2011 | Eugenee Ooi Lee Shen | Kuala Lumpur | 3rd Runner-up | |
| 2010 | Marina Liaw Mei Ee | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Best National Costume |
| 2009 | Subathra Jeyabalan | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2008 | Yuanie Kung | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2006 | Constance Lau Chia Li | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | Miss Photogenic |
| 2005 | Gurdev Kaur | Kuala Lumpur | Top 12 | |
| 2004 | Lavence Lim | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | |
| 2001 | Arase Sathivel | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2000 | Carla Soong | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Personality |
| 1997 | Carmen Khor | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 1996 | Kimberly Tan Kim Kim | Kuala Lumpur | 1st Runner-up | Miss Personality |
| 1995 | Previtha Thiyagarajah | Kuala Lumpur | 1st Runner-up | |
| 1994 | Cherlyn Khoo Mei Eyin | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Best National Costume |
| 1993 | Susan Marguerite Manen | Kuala Lumpur | 4th Runner-up | Miss Photogenic |

### Representative to Miss Tourism Metropolitan International

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2021 | Yoong Jia Yi | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2019 | Tiong Li San | Kuala Lumpur | 1st Runner-up | Miss Agape Wellness Beauty |
| 2017 | Crystal Tung | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2016 | Xandria Ban Kah Yee | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Good Luck |
| 2015 | Elaine Chong | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2009 | Yvonne Lee | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2008 | Angelreena Lim | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2007 | Joanne Chan | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss Friendship |

### Representative to Miss South East Asia Tourism Ambassadress

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards | Ref |
| 2015 | Shirley Hew | Kuala Lumpur | Top 7 | | |
| 2015 | Joey Ong Ai Ee | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | Miss Friendship | |

### Representative to Miss Chinese World

| Year | Representative's Name | Hometown | Placement | Special Awards |
| 2023 | Yoong Jia Yi | Melaka | 2nd Runner-Up | Miss Mercato Glamour Award for Best Elegant |
| 2023 | Tan Wei Lin | Johor | Unplaced | |
| 2023 | Joanne Clare Deaves | Kota Kinabalu | Unplaced | Best In Talent |
| 2023 | Lim Wen Qi | Kuala Lumpur | Unplaced | |
| 2023 | Lau Koh Sin | Kuching | Top 5 | Miss Oriental/Best Oriental |
| 2023 | Lee Chai Suen | Penang | Unplaced | |
| 2023 | Ng Yong Jia | Perak | Unplaced | Miss GINTELL Wellness Best Health Image SLIM DOC Best Physique Award |
| 2023 | Er Wen Xin | Selangor | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Aun Li Ying | Johor | 1st Runner Up | Miss DSY Beauty Elegant |
| 2021 | Jenny Ching | Kedah | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Paris Chan | Kota Kinabalu | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Lee Sherly | Kuala Lumpur | Top 10 | Miss DIAMOND STAR Oriental Beauty |
| 2021 | Winnie Bong | Kuching | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Qiqi Lian | Penang | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Oh Poh Yen | Perak | Unplaced | |
| 2021 | Chan Jing Er | Selangor | Unplaced | |
| 2017 | Lee Hui Qian | Kuala Lumpur | Unknown | Miss Dews Healthy Skin |
| 2017 | Adeline Chan Yin Ling | Penang | Unknown | |
| 2017 | Chong Jia Ying | Perak | Unknown | Miss Oriental |
| 2017 | Anny Wong Wei Wei | Sibu | Unknown | |
| 2011 | Unknown | Kuala Lumpur | Unknown | |
| 2011 | Unknown | Penang | Unknown | |
| 2011 | Unknown | Perak | Unknown | |
| 2011 | Unknown | Sibu | Unknown | |
| 2005 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |

## Fatwa ruling in Malaysia

In Malaysia, female Muslims were denied participation in beauty pageants following the issue of a fatwa in 1996 by the Mufti of Selangor, Ishak Baharom. The issue came to a nasty twist in July - September 1997 when four Malay participants joined the Miss Malaysian petite contest, only to be arrested by the authorities. In the ensuing public outcry and debate that followed, the effectiveness of the fatwa was shown given the influence of the Selangor's Mufti over the nation's sharia law. The fatwa resonated with the ideology that Muslim women should cover up private parts of their body, or Aurat of which the beauty pageants' practices ran contrary to - even though such religious enactments also apply to male pageants.
In Kuala Lumpur on 21 July 2013, the organisers of Miss Malaysia World 2013 were forced to drop four of its Muslim finalists following a fatwa prohibiting Muslim women from joining beauty pageants. According to Wan Zahidi, the fatwa prohibiting Muslim women from joining beauty pageants was issued and gazetted under the Federal Territories Islamic Administration Act in February 1996.
In recent years, the National Fatwa Council, the country's highest Islamic body, had also issued rulings forbidding Muslims from using Botox and banned women from exhibiting tomboy behaviour, which it defined as behaving or dressing like men or taking part in lesbian sex.
The council came under heavy scrutiny for its proposal to ban yoga after a university lecturer advised people to stop practising it for fear that it could deviate from the teachings of Islam. The move was met with protests from progressive Muslim women's groups like Sisters in Islam who deemed the fatwas regressive while observers claimed it highlighted the worrying trend of overt Islamisation in Malaysia.
The four contestants are:
* Wafa Johanna de Korte, 19, Kuala Lumpur
* Sara Amellia Bernard, 20, Perak
* Miera Sheikh, 19, Malacca
* Kathrina Binti Ridzuan, 24, Kuala Lumpur
Nevertheless, a public outcry ensued, as members of the public questioned the way the religious authorities handled the matter as well as the abrupt ruling which came about – Muslim women in the past had participated in beauty pageants without much protest amongst the religious authorities. This invoked the concerns of Mahathir Mohamad's who had raised objections to the way the religious authorities had implemented and enforced the law – and questions including distinctions on religious laws and personal freedom were raised. Nevertheless, the fatwa ruling has since been very effective; Muslim women have since then been deterred from joining any beauty pageants. Malaysian beauty pageants, in compliance with the law, similarly denied Muslim individuals from participating. However, Muslim women may still join smaller scale beauty pageant contests such as Dewi Remaja, Miss Intercontinental, and Miss Tourism International, provided that they don't display publicly wearing swimsuits.