The arrested founder of the eHati programme, Diyana Tahir, was revealed to be an unlicensed counsellor.
In an official statement by the Board of Counsellors Malaysia (LKM), the body said that Diyana Tahir is not a registered counsellor. LKM informed that counselling services can only be carried out by registered counsellors as provided under the Counsellors Act 1998 (Act 580), and any violation of the provision is an offence and may result in legal action.
Based on Section 22(1) of the Counsellors Act 1998, it is an offence for any individual to,
a)Practice or carry on or operate or hold oneself out as practising or carrying on or operating, the practice of a counsellor or working as a counsellor;
b) Uses the title ‘registered counsellor’ or any title in any language which may reasonably be construed as indicating that he is a registered counsellor, or;
c) Use or display any sign, board, card, or other design depicting or indicating that he is a registered counsellor.
Anyone who is found breaching the act may face a fine of not more than RM30,000, or a jail term of not more than 3 years, or both, upon conviction.
Earlier, Diyana Tahir, her husband Rahim Shukor, and others were detained by PDRM after the police confirmed that the viral e-Hati programme that took place in IDCC Shah Alam in September 2024 did involve naked individuals.
Beverages that were served at the event were also brought to the lab for analysis. The participants of the event were allegedly served with “magic mushroom” drinks that caused them to hallucinate and feel sexually aroused.
Before her arrest, Diyana Tahir also denied that her event promoted elements of heresy, and reminded JAKIM not to jump to conclusions before investigations.
