NARATHIWAT: The family of a Malaysian dikir barat singer who was arrested with five others for the alleged possession of 6,000 yaba pills is raising money to hire a lawyer for her.
The singer told the Malaysian press at the provincial prison here yesterday that two Thai lawyers had offered to take her case.
However, both wanted fees of 10 million baht (over RM1 million) each.
"My family could not afford to pay the fee and has politely rejected their offers," said the singer, who has yet to be charged.
The 29-year-old said her family is now looking to hire a different lawyer from Thailand.
"My family is now raising money to pay for the lawyer," she said.
The singer said her family visits her every Thursday and that she is being treated well by Thai authorities.
"Reports about Narathiwat prison that went viral on social media are untrue.
"My friends and I are well here. As Muslims, we are free to perform prayers."
During the 20-minute visit, she was accompanied by her two friends who were arrested with her, along with three other Malaysian men. One of them is the singer's husband.
Meanwhile, her friends hoped their family members and friends would continue to pray for their safety.
On Nov 1, the Malaysian artiste and the five Malaysians were arrested for the alleged possession of 6,000 pills at a hotel in Sungai Golok town.
Following their arrests, the Narathiwat court granted police an 84-day further detention order for the six.