Malaysia Laughter Championship 2024

 **Ipoh Resident Jayamalar Jeyaratnam Crowned Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024**

Ipoh, Perak - The jovial spirit of Malaysia has a new face: Jayamalar Jeyaratnam, 66, from Ipoh, who has been crowned the Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024. Jayamalar triumphed in a laughter-filled event hosted by the Johor Bahru Happy & Joyous Club, held via Zoom on Sunday, May 26 2024. 

This is the third time since 2021 the championship has taken place, with this year's event attracting a global audience. Jayamalar, along with other Malaysian laughter enthusiasts, showcased their mirth from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in a bid to represent Malaysia at the World Laughing Championship on June 1, June 1

Open to Malaysians aged 18 and above, the competition judged participants on Humility, Joyfulness, Sparkle, Contagiousness, and Originality. Eight finalists were selected from laughter video submissions, advancing to the live Laughter Challenges. The contest was a battle of belly laughs, featuring rounds of personal best laughter, animal-themed laughter, shy laughter, and playful playground laughter. After three elimination rounds, it came down to Jayamalar and Catherine Lim, with Jayamalar ultimately taking the title.

Spectators from over 12 countries tuned in to enjoy the laughter, including viewers from Belgium, Austria, India, Germany, USA, Japan, Australia, England, Bahrain, Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The 2024 contestants were:

- Tay Chin Hung (Johor)

- Vimala Devi A/P A. Arunasalam (England)

- Catherine Lim Suat Har (Kuala Lumpur)

- Jayamalar A/P Jeyaratnam (Perak)

- Rajaperumal Visvanathan (Kuala Lumpur)

- Subramaniam (Perak)

- Koh Mui Cheng (Johor)

- Vickneswari Maniam (Australia)

Laughter, a universal language, has the power to connect people, boost health, and foster joy and peace worldwide. This championship highlights the importance of laughter in our lives, spreading happiness across borders.

**Jayamalar Jeyaratnam Crowned Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024**

Jayamalar Jeyaratnam, a 66-year-old businesswoman from Ipoh, Perak, has been named the Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024. With her heart full of joy and an aim to spread happiness, Jayamalar entered the contest determined to have fun and share laughter's benefits with her community. Throughout the three rounds of the competition, she relied on her heart energy rather than her head, ultimately securing the top spot and opening new doors for her to explore the world of laughter therapy, especially within Ipoh. Still absorbing the surprise of her win, Jayamalar is living in the moment and relishing the joy that laughter can bring.

Catherine Lim, 60, a Therapeutic Laughter Facilitator from Shah Alam, Selangor, secured second place and will represent Malaysia if Jayamalar is unable to. Catherine joined the contest for the fun and experience it offered. As a certified laughter yoga teacher, she embodies the spirit of laughter, spreading joy and connection wherever she goes—whether in shopping complexes, gatherings, or events. To her, laughter is a gift meant to be shared, and she is passionate about spreading joy to the community and the world.

Koh Mui Cheng, a 66-year-old retiree from Johor Bahru, also participated in the Malaysia Laughing Championship for fun, confidence-building, and the experience. Throughout the contest, she felt excited, enthusiastic, and imaginative. Post-competition, she realized the value of practice and gained significant joy and confidence, overcoming her inhibitions and becoming more open to herself and others.

Vickneswari Maniam, 37, a businesswoman from Melbourne, Australia, entered the contest to test her ability to laugh, as she is typically not very social. Initially nervous, Vickneswari found the contest fun and felt happy about her participation afterward. She plans to carry forward the positivity from the contest, recognizing the importance of laughter therapy for human well-being.

The Malaysia Laughing Championship 2024, hosted by the Johor Bahru Happy & Joyous Club, was held via Zoom on 26th MayMay 26ow in its third year, the event saw contestants judged on Humility, Joyfulness, Sparkle, Contagiousness, and Originality. The competition attracted a global audience from over 12 countries and highlighted the power of laughter to connect people, improve health, and promote joy and peace worldwide.

For more information or to share in the joy, contact Jayamalar Jeyaratnam at 012-5386366 or jayajey636@gmail.com.