A Malaysian woman is facing 10 charges, including illegally practicing medicine in Brunei Darussalam, while her male counterpart is accused alongside her in two of the offences. Marinah binti Abdullah, 43, and Ephraim Valentine, 46, were produced before Magistrate Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul Rahman yesterday.
The prosecution initially filed two holding charges against them on February 1, before amending and expanding the case to 10 charges.
Marinah faces allegations of administering medical treatments, including injecting medicinal products at various locations in Brunei despite not being a registered medical practitioner under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act. She is accused of performing such procedures on multiple individuals at two hotels between January 12 and January 30. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Both defendants are also charged under the Medicines Act for allegedly importing unregistered medicinal products through the Ujung Jalan Control Post in Temburong on January 26.
The offence carries a maximum fine of BND1,000. Additionally, they are accused under the Customs Order, 2006, for importing uncustomed goods, which could lead to a fine of twice the value of the goods or BND8,000.Further charges against Marinah include falsely claiming to be an aesthetician certified by the Ministry of Health via WhatsApp and advertising her services under the name “Beauty Clinic Brunei” on TikTok. During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Radin Wafri bin Radin Sufri sought to have the charges read and pleas recorded.
However, defence counsel Haji Daud Ismail requested more time, citing his recent appointment and the need for further instructions. He also noted that an identification parade was pending.
The prosecution confirmed their intention to proceed with the ID parade but highlighted logistical concerns should the defendants be remanded in prison rather than the police station.
The court ordered that the defendants remain in remand and fixed February 18 for further mention. – Fadley Faisal
