Malaysian AIDS Council confirms MOH-backed outreach session in Kota Bharu as Kelantan cops chastised over ‘gay sex party' accusation
After Kelantan police claimed that the raid was against an alleged 'gay sex party', MAC said the session was in collaboration with Kota Jembal Health Clinic and part of a strategic approach introduced by the Health Ministry.
'We strongly urge that programmes such as this not be misrepresented or unnecessarily politicised, as such actions may disrupt collective efforts to tackle HIV in Malaysia.
'Instead, community-based approaches like DHSKP should receive broad support as a proven and effective strategy to end AIDS by 2030,' it said in a statement.
MAC said the session was held from 8pm to 2am and had reached over 70 high-risk individuals, with services scheduled outside office hours to improve accessibility.
It had included information on HIV transmission risks, prevention, and the benefits of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment under the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) principle.
Participants underwent confidential Community-Based Testing for HIV, with each screening taking 10 to 15 minutes, followed by counselling for those with reactive results.
Brief counselling was provided by medical officers and clients were referred to the clinic for further follow-up.
'DHSKP emphasises tailored service delivery that meets the specific needs of target populations, free from stigma, and carried out through collaboration between public healthcare facilities and community organisations.
'It covers screening, counselling, treatment, and support, and aims to close the gap in access to healthcare while improving the effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment,' it said.
This comes as a coalition of civil society groups had also urged Kelantan police to revise their statement on a June 2025 raid of an alleged 'gay sex party' here, which they clarified was in fact a health outreach event.
The groups, led by transgender rights advocacy group Justice for Sisters, said media reports following the raid resulted in harmful and stigmatising remarks that have intensified fear among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals seeking health services.
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Malay Mail
34 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Vilified by Kelantan cops as ‘gay party', here's what actually happens during an HIV outreach and why it's important
A June HIV outreach event in Kota Bharu provided HIV/STI screenings, counselling, health talks, and meals for 70 participants, ending late to accommodate those with work commitments. However, Kelantan police raided the outreach around 1am, labelling it a 'gay sex party'; three men were later fined for possessing obscene content, though no sexual activity or drug use was found. Civil society groups condemned the raid's misinformation and stigmatising impact, warning it could deter vulnerable communities from accessing vital HIV prevention services. KOTA BHARU, July 26 — Kelantan police were lambasted last week after accusing an HIV health outreach programme here in June as a 'gay sex party', with the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and other civil societies forced to correct the misinformation. Despite that, three men arrested by the police during the event had already been charged in court with possessing 'obscene' images and videos on their phones — and were subsequently fined after pleading guilty. In a statement last week, the MAC explained that the event was part of a long-term health outreach initiative organised by the local NGO Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat) under the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) to promote HIV interventions among hard-to-reach populations. The MAC said the session was held in collaboration with Kota Jembal Health Clinic, and is a part of the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model introduced by the Health Ministry (MOH) to combat AIDS by 2030. Malay Mail unpacks the event and why it is essential: Kelantan State Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin has denied that it is the organiser of the HIV outreach programme raided by police. — Picture from Facebook/Jabatan Kesihatan Kelantan What is DHSKP anyway? Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad last week confirmed on X that the event was part of ongoing outreach efforts. As outlined by the MAC, the DHSKP is a strategic, community-driven initiative aimed at tailoring HIV services to the unique needs of populations most at risk. These key populations include men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, and female sex workers or women at risk. This model relies on collaborations between community organisations and government clinics, positioning community healthcare workers as pivotal in connecting people at risk to essential prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. Such efforts aim to make healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and effective, especially for those facing discrimination within traditional healthcare settings. SalamMadani Colloboration bet MOH, State Health Depart JKN) & health NGO groups, is of great importance in reaching out to high-risk populations in order to impart knowledge about prevention strategies, the importance of early diagnosis & benefits of early treatment in… — Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) July 21, 2025 'With the current shift in HIV transmission trends toward sexual contact, intervention strategies have been adapted to respond to emerging needs,' Sahabat said in a statement yesterday. 'Efforts are now focused on reaching individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour, a group often difficult to access through conventional health services. All interventions are carried out with sensitivity to local cultural norms and values.' Sahabat explained it has been a key implementing partner in HIV prevention programmes for high-risk communities in Kelantan, working in close collaboration with the MOH, MAC, and the Kelantan Health Department — even as the latter previously tried to distance itself from the event. 'This long-standing partnership has played a significant role in reducing new HIV infections in the state — particularly among people who inject drugs, once the primary driver of local HIV transmission,' it said. Sahabat said the event was simply intended to offer a safe, stigma-free environment for delivering essential health information. — Picture courtesy of Sahabat What actually happened that night of the raid? Sahabat said it had organised a community outreach programme at a homestay here on June 17, when the police raided the event while claiming it was a 'gay sex party' event. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat insisted they had acted due to complaints and cited valid intelligence in justifying its raid — arguing it was done to maintain public order and safeguard moral values. However, Sahabat said the event were merely aimed to provide a safe, stigma-free space to deliver vital health information, screening services, and counselling to members of the key populations. According to Sabahat: A total of 62 individuals attended the event, including 13 Sahabat staff members, in addition to a Family Medicine Specialist and a Medical Officer who served as guest speakers. The session began with a health talk on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), followed by an interactive quiz and a communal meal. Those who tested positive were referred to MOH facilities for confirmatory testing and follow-up treatment. Four participants living with HIV also attended with their own antiretroviral medication. No medication was dispensed or distributed at the event. The event concluded at approximately 11:30 p.m., with around 20 individuals, including seven Sahabat staff, staying behind to complete follow-up screening in phases. 'The programme was conducted outside regular office hours to allow working participants to attend and benefit from the services offered,' an MAC spokesman told Malay Mail. 'Each individual screening took between 10 and 15 minutes. In total, the session extended to nearly six hours — well past midnight — to ensure that all 70 clients received both testing and appropriate counselling.' Kelantan health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin previously said he was informed that the raid had happened well after the outreach programmed ended. MAC and Sahabat maintained that the raid happened around 1am, when screenings were still conducted. Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said their intention behind the raid was simply to undertake 'amar makruf' (enjoining good) and 'nahi mungkar' (forbidding the bad). — Bernama pic What has the reaction been so far? The raid has prompted a coalition of 31 NGOs and civil entities led by transgender advocacy group Justice for Sisters (JFS) to release a statement urging Kelantan police to correct their portrayal of the June event. The coalition said all attendees tested negative in police-conducted urine tests, and no evidence of sexual activity or promotional content on social media was found. The coalition said the police's public statements were stigmatising, including unnecessary disclosure of HIV status and harmful suggestions about HIV medication. They also alleged human rights violations during the raid, including degrading treatment and privacy breaches, which have deterred victims from seeking redress. JFS co-founder S. Thilaga told Malay Mail that due to Malaysia's legal environment, these programs cannot be openly promoted, making it crucial for NGOs supported by the MOH to conduct targeted outreach efforts. Thilaga warned that labelling the event as a 'gay party' could incite moral panic among LGBTQ and vulnerable communities. 'Following the raid, there's heightened fear and concern for safety,' she said, adding that such actions might undermine trust between these communities and service providers. Citing a MOH report, Thilaga said conducting HIV outreach is challenging for the LGBTQ groups due to existing discrimination. 'This issue may further deter vulnerable groups from seeking services,' she added. Justice for Sisters co-founder S. Thilaga warned that the raid has only made the LGBTQ community more afraid of getting health services. — Picture by Hari Anggara. Echoing similar sentiments, PT Foundation acting chief operating officer Raymond Tai expressed concern over the incident's impact on the collaborative programmes between the Health Ministry and NGOs. 'The controversy jeopardises the programme's future, which is pivotal for our 2030 target,' he said, stressing that continued efforts are vital for success. Tai said Malaysia is an exemplary country that uses government and NGO partnership to mitigate HIV/AIDS to end it in 2030. Following the controversial police raid, JFS said it conducted a survey among vulnerable communities, receiving responses from 93 from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and 13 from outside the community. The findings revealed some concerns within the LGBTQ community:
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Madani BFHI tour promotes breastfeeding in Malaysia
SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry has introduced the Madani Private Hospital Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 2025 to encourage breastfeeding and lower the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in supporting nursing mothers. 'The core objectives of this tour align with the National Nutrition Policy, aiming to expand BFHI promotion, engage more private hospitals, and strengthen community support for nursing mothers,' he said during the launch. Currently, 31 out of 180 private hospitals have received BFHI accreditation, with KPJ Healthcare leading as the largest accredited consortium. The initiative includes hospital visits across Malaysia, such as Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre and KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital in August, followed by others in September. Lukanisman highlighted that exclusive breastfeeding provides a natural, pollutant-free diet, promoting sustainable public health and reducing reliance on commercial baby food. 'Fifteen hospitals are in the final training stage for accreditation, while 65 are undergoing initial training,' he added. BFHI, a global effort by WHO and UNICEF since 1991, focuses on protecting and promoting breastfeeding. - Bernamapix
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New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - July 25, 2025 [WATCH]
Here are tonight's top stories: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has told the Health Ministry to speed up the hiring of 4,325 doctors, including contract roles. Putrajaya is calling on Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions after a clash along their shared border. Sixteen roads in downtown Kuala Lumpur will be closed for the Turun Anwar rally. Police said motorists should plan alternate routes. The Malaysian duo are set to climb to world No. 2 after reaching the China Open semi-finals in Changzhou on Friday. That's all for News@9.
