KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian actress Tisha Shamsir has claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates’ Court after she was charged with taking three types of drugs into her own body.
Tisha, 40, whose real name is Shanorbiah Shamsir Alam, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read before Magistrate Khairunissak Hassni today.
She was accused of taking methamphetamine, amphetamine and ketamine based on a urine test conducted by the authorities. The offence was allegedly committed at about 7.30am on July 7 at the toilet of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department office at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
The charge was made under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If found guilty, she may face a fine of up to RM5,000 or a jail term of up to two years. She may also be placed under police supervision for a period between two and three years.
During the court hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurainna Maryam Norazman asked the court to set bail at RM4,000 with one guarantor.
However, lawyer Nik Azhar Nik Adib from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK), who represented Tisha, requested a lower bail amount.
The lawyer told the court that Tisha works on her own and does not have a fixed income. He also said she is separated from her husband and has the responsibility of taking care of her parents, who are both in their 70s.
He explained that bail was only to make sure the accused would attend court proceedings. He added that Tisha had already been given police bail and came to court herself to face the charge, showing that there was no risk of her running away.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, Magistrate Khairunissak allowed Tisha to be released on RM1,000 bail with one guarantor.
The court fixed October 8 as the next mention date for the submission of documents related to the case.
Tisha arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex at 8.49am wearing a face mask and accompanied by three security personnel.
Earlier, media reports stated that a female actress from a popular police drama was arrested during a raid at an entertainment centre in Kuala Lumpur after she was believed to have tested positive for drugs.
The raid was carried out under Op Noda on July 7. A total of 14 people were arrested, including the premises’ caretaker, seven men and six women.
The case will continue through the legal process. Tisha remains innocent until proven guilty by the court.
