Sydney botulism outbreak prompts warning about Norsafiza Binti Zakaria

A health warning has been issued about Norsafiza Binti Zakaria, who is accused of performing at-home cosmetic injections after three women were treated for suspected botulism.

A non-registered practitioner accused of performing unauthorised cosmetic injections after three women contracted botulism from unregulated botox injections is now subject to a public warning by health authorities investigating the incident.

Norsafiza Binti Zakaria – who also goes by Natasha Scha, Zakaria Scha, Natasha Ismail, Scha Zakaria, Sha Natasha and Scha Zakaria Beauty Spa – has been issued with an interim prohibition order by the Health Care Complaints Commission.

“Ms Zakaria is a non-registered health practitioner and is not permitted to perform medical procedures in NSW,” the Health Care Complaints Commission said in a public warning.

“Despite this, the Commission is investigating allegations that Ms Zakaria has been illegally administering botulinum toxin (Botox) and other injectable substances without medical supervision.”

The Commission will allege Ms Zakaria advertises cosmetic injections on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, and performs procedures in NSW and Victoria homes without a registered health practitioner’s involvement.

Norsafiza (Natasha) Binti Zakaria. Picture: Supplied

“The substances she (allegedly) injects may pose an immediate risk to anyone undergoing treatment,” the Commission warning stated.

“In January 2025, Ms Zakaria (allegedly) attended a residential address in Sydney and injected at least three people with substances she claimed were botulinum toxin.

“All three people suffered severe complications consistent with botulism, requiring hospitalisation – one of whom was admitted to intensive care.”

These allegations are being actively investigated by the Commission, NSW Health, and the equivalent authorities in Victoria, where Ms Zakaria is also accused of performing medical procedures.

No criminal charges have been laid.

Ms Zakaria advertised her cosmetic services on social media, offering package deals and low prices, advising clients to book via WhatsApp.

A generic image of botox. Picture: Supplied

The unlicensed practitioner also posted photos of her “spa” which resembles a residential home converted into a waiting room and treatment rooms.

It is understood she gave her studio different titles, including Scha Zakaria Beauty Studio.

Videos posted to TikTok showed her performing skin-needling and facials on clients, while others showed her cooking sweets in her beauty studio with friends.

Ms Zakaria – who is not a registered practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – has been forbidden from providing any health service, including cosmetic procedures or any involving skin penetration, to anyone.

She is also not to provide any health service using any other name or alias she has been previously known to use, or promote or advertise any health service forming part of the interim prohibition order.

It is enforceable in both NSW and Victoria.

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Originally published as Sydney botulism outbreak prompts warning about Norsafiza Binti Zakaria