Group denies helping to pay bogus dentist’s fine
PETALING JAYA: Various local dental groups have come out strongly against the woman who was penalised for practising dentistry without a licence and who paid off the fine through public fundraising.
Since then the Malaysian Muslim Consumer’s Association (PPIM) has denied raising funds to help bogus dentist Nur Farahanis Ezatty Adli, although they did not oppose the move to help reduce her punishment.
“We have not received nor con- tributed a single sen to Nur Farahanis’ fundraising,” said PPIM activist Muhammad Zharif Johor during a press conference.
Muhammad Zharif was among a team of PPIM’s activists who said the NGO did not agree with her actions. This followed outrage from netizens who claimed PPIM had “freed” Nur Farahanis and had supported her unregistered practice.
“Our stand is firm. We do not support nor recognise her practice as it is wrong and risky,” Muhammad Zharif said, adding they may help her start a legitimate business if needed. He said PPIM has a responsibility to assist those who sought their help.
PPIM head Datuk Nadzim Johan said they had only provided Nur Farahanis’ family and lawyer advice and suggestions on how to manage the case after she was imprisoned.
He said the Malaysia Islamic Economic Activist Organisation (PPEIM), another NGO, assisted in the fundraising.
PPEIM chairman Zamri Zaimon, who was present at the press conference, said he provided legal assistance to Nur Farahanis’ family and agreed to help with the fundraising as requested by the lawyer.
“The RM70,000 was raised in less than 24 hours due to a huge donation from a motorcycle club,” Zamri said, adding that they only contributed a small sum.
PPIM became embroiled in the controversy after a video of Nur Farahanis thanking them for her release from jail went viral.
The Malaysian Dental Association (MDA), in a statement said the profession was saddened by the lack of awareness on the seriousness of “fake dentistry”.
Ten dental groups jointly signed the statement including the Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners Association, the Islamic Dental Association of Malaysia and the Malaysian Oral Implant Association.
They pointed out dentistry in Malaysia was regulated under the Dental Act 1971 and the public had the right to safe dental treatment.
They urged the public to ensure the dentist treating them is registered with the Malaysian Dental Council.
“Any form of dental procedure should be carried out by a registered practitioner in public healthcare facilities or under a clinical environment in premises that is registered under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act,” they added.
They pointed out it was illegal for unregistered individuals including “beauticians” to provide any form of dental treatment.
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