PETALING JAYA - Malaysia’s national costume for the 2024 Miss Universe pageant finals has quickly attracted both praise and criticism.

While some people commended it for featuring the traditional handwoven fabric songket, others said it is not elaborate enough.

Beauty queen Sandra Lim will don the creation when she represents Malaysia at the competition in Mexico City on Nov 16. The costume is inspired by a Pahang Malay folktale of a warrior princess named Walinong Sari.

“Very nice, but looks so simple,” one Instagram user said.

Another user highlighted how the fierce look is appropriate for Ms Lim, as she is a wushu practitioner.

“Approved! Maybe she can show off her martial arts moves in this design at the finals,” said the netizen.

Others expressed worry that the outfit may not be eye-catching enough to win the pageant’s “Best National Costume” award.

But Mr Bon Zainal Harun, founder of the Malaysian Bumiputra Designer Association, said: “In order for people to listen, you don’t have to shout... just a whisper is enough.”

He added that the use of traditional fabrics is always effective in helping to showcase Malaysia to the world.

Fashion stylist Mughni Che Din suggested: “It’s a refreshing interpretation of Puteri Walinong Sari. Maybe it could be elevated even further by incorporating more vibrant colours.”

At a press conference on Oct 23, Ms Lim said she had worked very closely with designer Ezuwan Ismail to come up with the concept.

“When I first put it on, it made me feel so fierce, strong and powerful,” said Ms Lim.

Mr Ezuwan is known for his designs for Malaysian celebrities such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ziana Zain and Rozita Che Wan.

He said the design, which was entirely handmade, was completed in just three weeks. He also designed an evening gown for Ms Lim, plus a “secret dress” that will be unveiled only during the competition in Mexico City.

The national costume weighs approximately 30kg and measures about 1.77m tall.

Made from locally sourced fabrics, it features sulam tebuk, an elaborate embroidery technique that showcases the artistry of Malaysian heritage.

There will also be an on-stage reveal during the pageant finals, where Ms Lim will unveil a surprise element to the design. This symbolises her transformation from princess to warrior, showcasing the balance between beauty and strength. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK