#SHOWBIZ: Veteran actress Hamidah Wahab vows legal action over 'scammer' claim

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran actress Hamidah Wahab has pledged to take legal action against a man who publicly accused her of being a scammer and allegedly defrauding him of RM100,000.The 67-year-old actress, who has maintained an unblemished reputation since starting her career in the 1970s, expressed profound disappointment over the serious accusation, saying it has tarnished her name overnight.
"I feel deeply hurt. Never in my life has my name been dragged through the mud like this. "Being accused of being a scammer is not something to take lightly," she was quoted as saying in Harian Metro today.
"This is a case of defamation, and I will not remain silent. If this individual doesn't come forward to apologise and publicly clear my name, I will proceed with a defamation lawsuit. "He must admit that his claims are false and slanderous. I also expect him to meet me and my family in person to explain his actions."
Hamidah confirmed that she has already lodged two police reports and has preserved evidence of the accusations made against her."If it's true I cheated him out of RM100,000, then show proof such as bank statements or any concrete evidence. But there is none."
She questioned the motive behind the false claims, suggesting the accuser may be driven by envy or malicious intent."He claimed to have support from a 'Datin' and even the police. But I have faith in our legal system. If he's guilty, justice will be served."
Hamidah also revealed the emotional toll the incident has taken on her and her family."People have been calling me, asking if the allegations are true. Some even believed them. I've worked hard to maintain my integrity all my life, only for it to be tainted by lies."
The issue escalated after a viral video circulated on social media, accusing Hamidah, her younger sister Juriah Abd Hamid, her son Muhammad Afique Ab Mahat, and two nieces — Dr Diyana Mahat and Mardiah Ab Mahat — of scamming individuals out of large sums of money.Hamidah insisted she would not rest until her name is cleared and justice is served.