KUALA LUMPUR: Rocker Amy of Search recently put up an Instagram photo of himself with an unnamed product, and "penipuan" ("fraud") written in red on it.
It was the veteran singer's "no" to individuals who used his name to promote health foods without his, or the Government's, permission.
"From time to time, there have been individuals who claimed I've endorsed their health products, when they've not even informed me," he said in a recent interview.
"Such people take photos of me, supposedly with their product in my hands, and claim I've endorsed it - in actual fact they've never appointed me brand ambassador or spokesman!"
Worst of all, they did not even officially approach Amy and explain the benefits of their product.
"Claiming I've endorsed their health food, by merely showing I've bought it, is downright fraud.
"What I fear is their products are fake and damage our health!"
Amy said he would never endorse health foods without an explanation of their benefits and side effects.
"I don't want to be associated with products that aren't tested, especially products not approved by the Health Ministry," said Amy.
He urged fellow artistes who had been appointed "brand ambassadors" without their knowledge, to report such businesses to the Government.
"We should avoid falling for scams," he said.
Singers Nurul Wahab and Nizam of Laksamana expressed support for Amy's stand on companies that took advantage of artistes.
"If anyone asks me to hold a product and take a photo, I will say sorry, I can't do this," said Nourul. "It's clearly fraud!"
"When we say ‘no’, they accuse us of being ‘sombong’ (“arrogant"). I don't care, artistes should stay clear of fraudsters!" said Nizam.