Cops detain eHati founders after controversial programme

The founders of a company behind a controversial motivational programme have been detained by police, Berita Harian reported.

The couple, Diyana Tahir and Rahim Shukor, who run eHati International Sdn Bhd, were recently under investigation by the police and Selangor religious authorities.

They were reportedly arrested today after having their statements recorded at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.

Their lawyer, M Reza Hassan, reportedly said his clients were arrested by the Shah Alam district police under Section 294 and Section 509 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act.

Section 294 of the Penal Code deals with obscene acts or words in a public place, while Section 509 deals with words or gestures intended to insult a person’s modesty.

Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act includes indecent, threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour, writing, drawing, or posts, with the intent to breach the peace.

In a previous statement, the couple denied allegations about deviant teachings and substance abuse at eHati, made by a Facebook user who claimed to have evidence.

They accused Facebook user Masyitah Ashari of sharing “inaccurate and defamatory” allegations against them and the programme held in Shah Alam.

The couple described themselves as certified practitioners in the “field of hypnotherapy”, and every eHati programme was developed to comply with professional ethical standards and aligned with Malaysia’s cultural and religious values.

“The programmes offered by eHati focus on helping women in Malaysia - regardless of race or religion - to find peace, pursue happiness, boost self-confidence, and heal long-standing trauma using methods such as neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), which helps individuals understand how their minds work and how it influences their behaviour.

“Modules offered by eHati also include various aspects divided into categories based on hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and NLP,” the couple said in a statement today.

The programme, believed to have taken place in September last year, sparked controversy after Masyitah alleged on Facebook last week that it featured participants undressing, consuming an unidentified drink, and taking part in questionable rituals.

Among the more shocking claims were that a brand founder and facilitators stripped in front of the group, followed by an invitation for others to drink a mystery liquid that allegedly triggered mood changes.

Participants were also purportedly asked to engage in provocative dancing, a sacred bath ritual, and a “rebirth” activity.

Masyitah, in response to the couple’s statement today, pointed out that the lengthy explanation did not explicitly deny allegations of participants dancing while in a state of undress, selling and possession of sex toys, or that there was a module on masturbation.

Modules are ‘private’ and ‘optional’

Instead, Diyana and Rahim’s statement included an explanation that eHati modules were designed to guide participants through emotion management techniques, including breathwork, trauma release exercises, and hypnotherapy, to help women achieve inner peace.

“We also offer programmes specifically for married women who may be facing challenges in their marital relationships, including confusion about their own bodies or emotional and physical preparedness before and during intimacy.

“However, this module is not open to the public and is only offered privately to those who genuinely need it,” said the couple.

Further, the couple said massage methods taught to participants were adapted from pelvic floor and Thai massages, contrary to allegations that there were influences of tantra philosophies linked to “erotic acts”.

“These techniques have been tailored to local values and do not involve any religious rituals.

“They are also optional modules, and participants are not obligated to undergo them,” the couple said.

The couple also denied that a special drink known as “piya” contained prohibited substances to alter the mental state of participants.

“It is simply a blend of natural raw cocoa, honey, and herbs designed to calm the mind and body.

“This drink does not contain any prohibited substances or so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ as claimed,” they stressed.

The couple added that they had voluntarily presented themselves to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) in 2022 over a related programme, and were subsequently cleared with a recommendation to include a disclaimer.

They said eHati is now taking legal action against those harming their reputation and credibility, as well as disrupting their operations.

Meanwhile, Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan yesterday confirmed that statements will be recorded from all programme participants under Section 122 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

He said the case is being investigated under sections 294 and 509 of the Penal Code, alongside Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act.

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