Malaysian Actress Says She Was Sexually Assaulted By Man Who Claimed To Be An "Ustaz"
Elly Arifin said the sex offender was a faith healer with an "ustaz" title.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 08 Mar 2024, 12:43 PM
Malaysian actress and TV host Elly Arifin revealed that she was molested by a faith healer bearing an "ustaz" title two years ago, leaving her traumatised until now
According to Harian Metro, the 35-year-old actress stated that she still cannot forget the horrifying experience of being touched inappropriately by the individual when she visited his clinic in Kuala Lumpur while she was feeling unwell.
"In 2022, I was molested by an individual with an 'ustaz' title. He is very trusted and close to my family. I never imagined that such an incident could happen.
"The individual put his hands on my private part while I was semi-conscious. My mother told me to see him at the time for medical reasons.
"The treatment was to restore my spirit. So, I came alone to the individual's house wearing a sweater and loose pants. I wasn't wearing tight-fitting clothes," she told the Malay daily.
She said she drank a glass of water that had been blessed by the the individual. While she was semi-conscious, she recalled feeling the man sexually assaulting her.
Elly subsequently lodged a police report against the faith healer, leading to his arrest a few days later
"[The assaulter] has already been charged and pleaded guilty in court. He was ordered to pay a fine. So, this case has already been closed because he did not want to prolong the issue.
"Although I don't want to remember it anymore, I am still traumatised by what happened until now," said the actress.
Elly said the police also informed her that the assaulter is not a first-time offender, reported the New Straits Times.
"Malaysian women, please be extra alert. There are many monsters out there. If any of them sexually harasses you in the slightest way, lodge a police report immediately!" she advised.
Elly made the revelation during the press conference at the launch of Korsakoff in TGV Cinema Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday, 6 March.
The psychological thriller, directed by Opie Zami, will premiere on Astro First on 14 March.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
