PETALING JAYA: The magistrate’s court complex here was instantly abuzz when cosmetics tycoon Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman, or Dr Vida, arrived with her entourage to face charges of appearing in a promotion for one of her products without approval from the Health Ministry.
The crowd at the court’s entrance was stunned when the outspoken and controversial businesswoman, who was clad in a pink outfit, arrived in a white multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at about 11am with her son and bodyguards.
The 46-year-old self-proclaimed diva was not camera shy when several people tried to take a selfie with her as she was ushered into the courtroom.
Hasmiza, who was unrepresented, was fined RM4,800 in default of a five-month jail term for promoting one of her health drinks during a live show without the approval of the Medicine Advertisements Board (MAB).
Magistrate Mohd Azali Ibrahim meted out the sentence after Hasmiza pleaded guilty to the offence, with falls under Section 4B of the Medicines (Advertisement and Sales) Act 1956, and is punishable under Section 5 (1)(b) of the same Act.
Hasmiza was charged with taking part in the live talkshow Jom Singgah on TV3 to promote her Pamoga health drink, which she claimed could cure burns, and joint and knee pains.
The offence was committed at Sri Pentas, No. 3, Persiaran Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya at about 1.30pm on July 18 last year.
When pleading for a lenient sentence, the founder of Vida Beauty Sdn Bhd said she pleaded guilty in the best interest of all parties involved.
“I could not control myself when speaking, as it was a live broadcast. Now, I have decided to (avoid live broadcasts).
“I (was) only repeating the testimony of my clients on the effectiveness of my product,” she said.
However, Prosecuting officer from the Health Ministry’s Pharmaceutical Services Divisions Amran Abu Bakar urged that apt punishment should be handed down to the accused.
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