Amidst Bullying from Indonesian Netizens, Miss World Malaysia Apologizes After Claiming Batik Originated from Her Country

Kapanlagi.com - Lavanya Sivaji, Miss World Malaysia suddenly became the center of attention. She became the target of bullying and criticism from Indonesian netizens after claiming that batik is a fabric originating from her country.

The commotion started from Lavanya's post a few days ago. At that time, she uploaded a picture of herself wearing a batik dress for the final night of Miss World Malaysia 2021.

In the caption she wrote, Lavanya mentioned that batik fabric is a symbol of diversity among the people of Malaysia. The comment section of the post was immediately flooded with protests from Indonesian netizens.

"Batik fabric symbolizes the diversity among the people of Malaysia, with various colors, patterns, and designs. Therefore, I present to you my evening gown for Miss World Malaysia 2021 which is made of Malaysian batik fabric," Lavanya wrote before eventually changing the caption.

1. Change Caption

credit: instagram.com/lavanyasivaji

After being bullied by netizens, Lavanya then changed the caption in her post.

"I am very grateful to have been taught to appreciate cultural diversity and I want to thank my designer for this beautiful dress for my last night. I am proud to represent my country and I am ready for a completely new journey," she wrote in English.

Shortly after, she also apologized through a post, Thursday (21/10) early morning.

"Hello everyone! To all pageant lovers, especially in Indonesia. I hope you are all in good health. First of all, I want to apologize if I have offended anyone with my post. I acknowledge that Batik comes from Java as well as its design and history," wrote the 25-year-old doctor.

2. Proud to Wear Batik

credit: instagram.com/lavanyasivaji

"However, many other countries also practice this cultural element, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and India, each with their own designs and motifs. Whether it's Malaysia, Indonesia, or any other country, I will always feel proud to wear Batik," said Lavanya.

"Every time I wear Batik, I can feel the power of a true woman. We have superpowers. We are healers. We are mothers," she concluded.

(kpl/lou)