The entertainment industry can be pretty dark as some artists have found themselves entangled in some illegal drug abuse cases. Malaysian stars, unfortunately, are no different but it was still surprising when fans learned that a local rock artist would get himself involved in legal trouble over drug possession.
According to local news, singer Cliff Umar was taken into custody last weekend in Subang Jaya over suspicion of possessing 0.39 grams of heroin. Yesterday (Thursday, 30th May), it was reported the musician pleaded guilty to the charges made against him at the Magistrate’s Court.
The “Gegar Vaganza” Season 7 champion confessed to his crimes before Judge Sasha Diana Sabtu. However, although he pleaded guilty to possessing the substance, there has been no information if he had consumed or distributed it. Regardless, as reported by Berita Harian, his offence was committed in accordance with Section 12 (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which can be punished under Section 12 (3) of the same act.
If convicted, the 42-year-old can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison or fined not more than RM100,000 or both. It was said that in addition to requesting a new date for the chemical report hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Annur Athirah Amran urged that the bail be set at RM6,000 with one surety.
However, Cliff Umar’s attorney, Sallehuddin Salam requested that the bail be lower since the singer is currently supporting his wife and four children with an unfixed income as an entertainer. Fortunately for the rock vocalist, the court allowed bail of RM3,300 with one surety and the chemical report date was set for 31st July (Wednesday).
At the time of writing, there has been no official statement made by Cliff Umar himself or his representing lawyer. It is understood that a verdict will only be made after the chemical report hearing on the given date.
