Latest news with #IPT
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah legislators unite behind supplementary budget
Masidi KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The State Legislative Assembly today approved the Supplementary Supply Bill (Expenditure) 2025, which allocates an additional RM1,186,923,403.00 for 53 expenditure heads. In his winding-up speech, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said that while debates and disagreements among assembly members are expected, they ultimately reflect a shared commitment — both from the government and opposition — to Sabah's development. 'I would like to thank and acknowledge all honourable members who raised various issues and proposals during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, all with the shared goal of transforming Sabah into a progressive and prosperous state,' he said. Masidi assured that the State Government remains attentive to the matters raised, particularly those directly related to the Ministry of Finance. Addressing specific concerns raised during the debate, Masidi responded to Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob's proposal to channel at least RM500,000 in disaster relief funds through district offices via a dedicated disaster trust fund. He explained that while the proposal is acknowledged, the establishment of such a trust fund would involve a lengthy process as it must be tabled in the State Assembly under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. 'Therefore, the ministry believes it is more appropriate for the fund to be centralised under the Chief Minister's Department and managed by the State Disaster Management Committee,' said Masidi. He also said that the ministry is also aware of the need to enhance tourism assets and preserve historical heritage buildings, not only in the Sindumin district but throughout the state. 'However, such efforts remain subject to the State Government's financial capacity.' He also replied to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), who raised the issue of RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties. 'The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify the matter raised by the honourable member for Senallang regarding the RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties, intended to support students and educational institutions in Sabah,' said Masidi. He then detailed that the expenditure of RM44,000,000 is for the Computer Aid (BAIK) programme by providing 1,000 laptops for IPT students from e-Kasih or B40 families totalling RM2,000,000; the BUDI (IPT Registration Cash Aid) or one-off aid of RM2,000 or RM1,500 for newly registered B40/M40 students entering IPT amounting RM10,000,000; the BAKTI Exam Cash Assistance (one off RM200 aid for 40,000 B40 students sitting for SPM/STPM/STAM) amounting RM8,000,000; BAGUS-PTA aid (RM2,000 aid for 1,500 Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGs) to support their activities amounting RM3,000,000; BISBAH-school equipment aid (equipment support for 1,600 schools) amounting RM10,000,000; BISTARI – State Education Fund (RM100 savings assistance per newborn via SSPN savings) amounting RM2,000,000; AKSA – Excellence Award (Awards for students/educators who bring honour to Sabah nationally/internationally.) amounting RM100,000; BANTU – Special Education Programme Aid (Funding for beneficial educational programmes) amounting RM1,300,000; SEMESTA – Sabah Student Secretariat (financial aid for Sabah student associations across Malaysia/the world) amounting RM300,000; BALKIS – Minor School Repairs amounting RM4,000,000 for repairs under RM50,000 for school infrastructure; MAHAS – Sabah Halal Council amounting RM1,500,000 for the coordination, enforcement, halal expos and certification; BAKPA – Religious Activities Aid amounting RM1,300,000 for special grants for religious programmes; Sabah Language and Literature Council amounting RM500,000 for support for language and literature-related activities. He also commented on the question raised by Tungku assemblyman Assaffal P. Alian concerning the expenditures in CMD1. He said that his ministry shall provide the assemblyman with detailed clarification. 'However, we hope there will be no misunderstanding regarding the figures mentioned, whether hundreds of thousands or millions, under each sub-item. Upon review, these do not involve any additional millions as suggested by the honourable member for Tungku,' said Masidi. 'On the matter of the additional allocation under the Ministry of Rural Development, this pertains to the Special Allocation Programme, which aims to supplement the insufficient annual budget approved for 2025. The allocation is meant to fund small-scale projects across all state constituencies, including those held by the opposition,' he said. As for the queries from the honourable members for Lamag and Tungku regarding the Federal loans and the higher repayments from the State Consolidated Fund, these loans are essential to finance water and sewerage supply projects costing over RM100 million annually, he said. He explained that these loans allow the State Government to focus on other key infrastructure projects that drive economic growth. Furthermore, repayments will only commence after a deferment period of five to seven years, allowing the State to enjoy earlier development while reducing development expenditure in the short term, he said. Meanwhile, Darau assemblyman Azhari Datuk Matussin inquired about the flood mitigation projects worth RM2.3 million and Masidi explained that these included the flood mitigation plan for Sungai Kinarut, Kinarut Basin, Papar District; flood mitigation plan for Sungai Petagas, Putatan – Kg Sendil Phase 2; flood mitigation plan in Sipitang – proposed drainage works for Sungai Naparan Hilir and related works; and flood mitigation plan in Sandakan (Mile 3.5), Sri Taman, Sandakan. He also replied to Lamag, Bugaya and Sekong assemblymen, who highlighted item S26-Contributions to Statutory Funds and provided the breakdown, which covered Contribution to the Development Fund – RM250 million to reduce the deficit, not involving cash flow; Contribution to the Statutory Trust Fund for Road Maintenance – RM150 million to cover concession payments and urgent repairs not covered under existing contracts; and Contribution to the Special Trust Fund – RM200 million to finance programmes such as SYUKUR (People's Gratitude Programme), BUDI, SENTOSA, SUBFLY, SUKSES, and infrastructure development including water, roads and utilities. Masidi also explained that the overall increase in administrative emolument payments is due to the phase one adjustment of the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA), with an 8% salary increase implemented in December 2024. 'As the 2025 budget was tabled and passed in November 2024, the increase could not be accounted for at the time. The additional provision also covers the Special Financial Aid (BKK) payments in January, Aidilfitri and Kaamatan 2025,' said Masidi. He also said that the RM25 million allocation under D11 – Chief Minister's Department is meant for basic infrastructure financing in both urban and rural areas under the Special Development Programme and the RM3.7 million additional allocation under JHEAINS is to finance: New mosque construction: RM1.01 million; Islamic Community Centre in Penampang; upgrading Papar District Mosque; New mosque in Kg Tambulion, Kota Belud; Religious school construction: RM2.69 million; SMAN in Tambunan; teacher quarters, academic block, astaka, and field at SMAN Toh Puan Hajjah Rahmah (Phase 3); and SAN and JHEAINS Kindergarten in Pekan Sook (Keningau), Kg Tebobon (Menggatal), and Telupid. He also said that under D19 of the Rural Development Ministry, the additional funds are proposed for poverty eradication programmes which includes estimated repayments (e.g., service costs, wages) as per management agreements; home repairs under RM15,000 per house – approximately 33 homes in 2025, including electrical posts; maintenance of damaged village roads, especially flood-prone areas, to aid residents' economic activities; solar lighting supply to off-grid villages in Kota Belud, Pitas, Nabawan, Semporna, Beluran, Lahad Datu and Tamparuli; and programmes to uplift rural living standards. Meanwhile, the RM1.9 million additional provision under D39 for the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is for capital grants to local authorities for road maintenance and other capital expenditures, including: Proposed new District Council Office in Putatan; and construction and completion of new District Council office in Ranau. Meanwhile, an additional RM300,000 is proposed to upgrade visitor facilities at Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site, Semporna, as part of the existing project under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), initiated on 4 March 2025. Works include upgrading the boardwalk, shelters and observation platforms at the summit, he said. Those who debated the Bill were Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin (Nabawan), Datuk Ignatius Dorell Leiking (Moyog), Assaffal P. Alian (Tungku), Azhari Datuk Matussin (Darau), Datuk Seri Panglima Moktar Radin (Lamag), Datuk Hassan Gani P. Amir (Sebatik), Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong (Sulabayan), Datuk Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Arunarsin Taib (Gum-Gum), Jamil Datuk Hamzah (Bugaya), Sarifuddin Hata (Merotai), Alias Sani (Sekong), Datuk Wong Hong Jun (Tanjong Aru), Datuk Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan), Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura), Datuk Ewon Benedick (Kadamaian), Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan (nominated assemblyman), Justin Wong Yung Bin (Sri Tanjong), Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum (Telupid), Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan), Datuk Juil Nuatim (Limbahau), Datuk Amisah Yassin (nominated assemblywoman), Datuk Mokran Ingkat (Sungai Manila), Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang (Balung).
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PH Sabah to present joint manifesto ahead of state election
Mustapha speaking to reporters after handing over an IPT offer letter in Kampung Warisan. KOTA KINABALU (July 5): Pakatan Harapan (PH) component parties in Sabah will be releasing a joint manifesto ahead of the upcoming state election, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah chief Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud. He said PKR is currently drafting its manifesto, which will be unveiled alongside those of the other three Sabah PH components — United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), National Trust Party (Amanah) and Democratic Action Party (DAP). 'The manifesto will highlight issues close to the hearts of Sabahans, particularly the state's 40 percent revenue entitlement under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' said Mustapha. He added that PKR will also propose a guideline formula to ensure fair distribution of key positions, such as village heads and appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs), based on each party's strength within the coalition. 'This is to prevent dissatisfaction and to ensure equitable representation,' he told reporters after presenting an institute for higher education offer letter to a student at Kampung Warisan on Saturday. He added that the proposed appointment system would be included in the joint manifesto. On a separate note, Mustapha expressed confidence in the continued strong support for PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, especially in Sabah, where Anwar enjoys a high approval rating. Addressing recent internal criticisms, particularly regarding the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar as PKR deputy president, Mustapha acknowledged the dissatisfaction voiced by some quarters. 'Some may not be happy with the party elections, but as a leader, I believe our members are beginning to understand that the focus should be on the party's direction and unity— not individuals,' he said.
Sinar Daily
04-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Bolder measures needed to curb HIV transmission among IPT students
KUALA LUMPUR - Data shared by the Malaysian AIDS Council in April revealed a worrying reality: 44 per cent of those infected with HIV in the country are youths aged between 20 and 29. According to reports quoting the council's honorary secretary Dr Zaiton Yahya, most new infections involve school leavers and students from institutions of higher learning (IPT). According to Dr Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, a lecturer at the Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Human Ecology at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the current strategies are no longer relevant to today's youth. - 123RF photo (Photo for illustration purpose only) Two days ago, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni disclosed that 222 cases of IPT students infected with HIV were reported last year. This figure is part of the total 1,091 HIV cases involving IPT students reported between 2021 and 2024. These alarming statistics should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to urgently investigate why a growing number of educated young people are being infected with HIV. Are the current measures - leftover from the time when HIV infections were mainly due to drug needle sharing - still relevant? AN OUTDATED APPROACH According to Dr Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, a lecturer at the Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Human Ecology at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the current strategies are no longer relevant to today's youth. He said current HIV awareness programmes still rely on conventional methods such as public lectures, leaflet distribution and exhibitions, which are less engaging to students. "The failure to tailor approaches to the communication style of younger generations has led to poor participation in these programmes. Moreover, most programmes tend to attract those at lower risk of HIV infection, that is, those who are not sexually active or not exposed to risky behaviours,' he told Bernama. The expert explained that such methods alienate the actual target group, namely students who fall into high-risk categories, such as those who are sexually active, use dating apps or engage in same-sex relationships as they would feel afraid or embarrassed to participate in such programmes. "They are worried about being judged or recognised by friends or lecturers, so they choose to avoid any HIV-related programmes. As a result, the group most in need of information and support ends up not taking part in the programmes concerned,' he added. Citing findings from a study he carried out recently, Mohammad Mujaheed also said many students were unaware of HIV-related programmes in their universities, showing that HIV prevention messages are not effectively reaching the intended audience. "A large number of male and female students said they had never received direct information from the university and only learned about HIV through social media or stories shared by friends and acquaintances,' he said, adding the study showed students were more drawn to interactive content such as short videos, social media posts or experiential activities. The study, titled 'The Rise of HIV Cases in Higher Education Institutions: Exploring Risk Behaviours, Effectiveness of Prevention Programmes and Strategies for the Health and Well-Being of Young Generations', was conducted in January and involved 500 respondents from institutions of higher learning in the Klang Valley, Selangor and Putrajaya. LIFESTYLE Discussing the causes of HIV infection, Dr Mohammad Mujaheed pointed to liberal lifestyles, social pressure and the normalisation of premarital sex, including same-sex relations, without protection as major contributing factors. According to findings from his study, some respondents admitted to becoming sexually active after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exam, driven by curiosity and a lack of formal education on sexual health. He said some also used social applications such as Grindr, Hornet and Tinder to find partners, which could have led to casual sexual encounters without adequate protection. "Some engaged in oral or anal sex at a young age and only became aware of HIV risks after being diagnosed. They were also more exposed to pornography and unfiltered sexual content, especially on social media,' he said. Shockingly, some students admitted to intentionally transmitting HIV to others as an act of revenge or what is referred to as "revenge transmission'. In such cases, he said, the students knowingly withheld their HIV-positive status from their partners and continued engaging in unprotected casual sex. "They admitted to intentionally spreading the virus, saying they didn't want to bear the burden alone. They were consumed by anger, betrayal and disappointment and felt others should 'feel the same pain',' he said, stressing that this issue demands serious attention from the authorities. He said the study found most infections resulted from casual sex, with many students engaging in unprotected sex with different partners. "Factors such as trust in their partners, lack of knowledge or emotional and peer pressure led them to ignore protective measures,' he said. He also noted that same-sex relationships among male students (MSM - men who have sex with men) were identified as one of the risky behaviours. NEED SHIFT IN APPROACH Recommending that prevention efforts be improved by adopting more targeted, youth-friendly and stigma-free strategies to reach those most at risk, Mohammad Mujaheed said authorities must move away from generic, moralistic and untargeted prevention messages. "There is now an urgent need for bolder and more realistic approaches to address HIV transmission among IPT students, similar to how harm reduction strategies were successfully used in the past to curb the spread of HIV among injecting drug users. "In the past, sharing of needles was the main contributor to new HIV cases in Malaysia. However, with interventions such as clean needle distribution, targeted health education for drug users, and collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and health agencies, HIV infections through needle-sharing dropped significantly,' he said. While the approach was initially considered a "sensitive' matter, its success in reducing infection rates proved that realistic and non-punitive interventions are more effective in the context of prevention. Therefore, he said, similar methods should be considered in tackling sexual transmission of HIV among IPT students. His suggestions include the implementation of comprehensive, non-judgmental sexual education; providing access to condoms and counselling; and conducting voluntary, confidential HIV testing on campus. "Just as needle distribution helped reduce injection-related HIV infections, condom distribution and inclusive sex education have the potential to reduce infections caused by unsafe sex,' he said. These bold strategies, he stressed, should not be seen as promoting risky behaviour but rather as pragmatic, data-based steps grounded in real-world experience to save lives and build a culture of responsible sexual health among youth. He added that the success in reducing HIV transmission among injecting drug users should serve as a model for reforming HIV prevention strategies in universities. CHALLENGES Acknowledging that it is not easy for a young person to accept the reality of living with HIV for life, counsellor Dr Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah said stigma and discrimination remain key barriers to implementing intervention programmes on campus. "As long as people lack accurate information and understanding about HIV and AIDS, stigma and discrimination will persist. On top of that, lack of funding and institutional and administrative support within higher learning institutions also contribute to the problem. "Cultural and religious sensitivities also limit open discussion around sex, condoms, HIV and AIDS. Very few people are willing to talk about these topics openly,' the senior lecturer in Guidance and Counselling at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, told Bernama. He also observed that sexual education at universities is still inadequate as there is no dedicated subject on the topic in the higher education curriculum. "Most students are only exposed to sexual education through seminars, workshops, community activities or indirectly,' he said. As a counsellor, he believes that guidance and counselling approaches can help universities address the issue of HIV among students. Campus health clinics can also offer voluntary and confidential advice and counselling services on HIV, in collaboration with NGOs that play a role in HIV/AIDS prevention in Malaysia. "Emphasise confidentiality so more students will come forward for testing. From the data collected, we can develop action plans to control the spread of HIV among IPT students,' he added, noting that peer counselling programmes also have the potential to help address this concern. - BERNAMA
The Star
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Bolder measures needed to curb HIV transmission among IPT students, says experts
KUALA LUMPUR: Data shared by the Malaysian AIDS Council in April revealed a worrying reality: 44% of those infected with HIV in the country are youths aged between 20 and 29. According to reports quoting the council's honorary secretary Dr Zaiton Yahya, most new infections involve school leavers and students from institutions of higher learning (IPT). Two days ago, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni disclosed that 222 cases of IPT students infected with HIV were reported last year. This figure is part of the total 1,091 HIV cases involving IPT students reported between 2021 and 2024. These alarming statistics should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to urgently investigate why a growing number of educated young people are being infected with HIV. Are the current measures - leftover from the time when HIV infections were mainly due to drug needle sharing - still relevant? According to Dr Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, a lecturer at the Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Human Ecology at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the current strategies are no longer relevant to today's youth. He said current HIV awareness programmes still rely on conventional methods such as public lectures, leaflet distribution and exhibitions, which are less engaging to students. "The failure to tailor approaches to the communication style of younger generations has led to poor participation in these programmes. "Moreover, most programmes tend to attract those at lower risk of HIV infection, that is, those who are not sexually active or not exposed to risky behaviours," he told Bernama. Mohammad Mujaheed explained that such methods alienate the actual target group, namely students who fall into high-risk categories, such as those who are sexually active, use dating apps or engage in same-sex relationships as they would feel afraid or embarrassed to participate in such programmes. "They are worried about being judged or recognised by friends or lecturers, so they choose to avoid any HIV-related programmes. "As a result, the group most in need of information and support ends up not taking part in the programmes concerned," he added. Citing findings from a study he carried out recently, Mohammad Mujaheed also said many students were unaware of HIV-related programmes in their universities, showing that HIV prevention messages are not effectively reaching the intended audience. "A large number of male and female students said they had never received direct information from the university and only learned about HIV through social media or stories shared by friends and acquaintances," he said, adding the study showed students were more drawn to interactive content such as short videos, social media posts or experiential activities. The study, titled 'The Rise of HIV Cases in Higher Education Institutions: Exploring Risk Behaviours, Effectiveness of Prevention Programmes and Strategies for the Health and Well-Being of Young Generations', was conducted in January and involved 500 respondents from institutions of higher learning in the Klang Valley, Selangor and Putrajaya. Lifestyle Discussing the causes of HIV infection, Dr Mohammad Mujaheed pointed to liberal lifestyles, social pressure and the normalisation of premarital sex, including same-sex relations, without protection as major contributing factors. According to findings from his study, some respondents admitted to becoming sexually active after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exam, driven by curiosity and a lack of formal education on sexual health. He said some also used social applications such as Grindr, Hornet and Tinder to find partners, which could have led to casual sexual encounters without adequate protection. "Some engaged in oral or anal sex at a young age and only became aware of HIV risks after being diagnosed. They were also more exposed to pornography and unfiltered sexual content, especially on social media," he said. Shockingly, some students admitted to intentionally transmitting HIV to others as an act of revenge or what is referred to as "revenge transmission". In such cases, he said, the students knowingly withheld their HIV-positive status from their partners and continued engaging in unprotected casual sex. "They admitted to intentionally spreading the virus, saying they didn't want to bear the burden alone. They were consumed by anger, betrayal and disappointment and felt others should 'feel the same pain'," he said, stressing that this issue demands serious attention from the authorities. He said the study found most infections resulted from casual sex, with many students engaging in unprotected sex with different partners. "Factors such as trust in their partners, lack of knowledge or emotional and peer pressure led them to ignore protective measures," he said. Need shift in approach Recommending that prevention efforts be improved by adopting more targeted, youth-friendly and stigma-free strategies to reach those most at risk, Mohammad Mujaheed said authorities must move away from generic, moralistic and untargeted prevention messages. "There is now an urgent need for bolder and more realistic approaches to address HIV transmission among IPT students, similar to how harm reduction strategies were successfully used in the past to curb the spread of HIV among injecting drug users. "In the past, sharing of needles was the main contributor to new HIV cases in Malaysia. However, with interventions such as clean needle distribution, targeted health education for drug users, and collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and health agencies, HIV infections through needle-sharing dropped significantly," he said. While the approach was initially considered a "sensitive' matter, its success in reducing infection rates proved that realistic and non-punitive interventions are more effective in the context of prevention. Therefore, he said, similar methods should be considered in tackling sexual transmission of HIV among IPT students. His suggestions include the implementation of comprehensive, non-judgmental sexual education; providing access to condoms and counselling; and conducting voluntary, confidential HIV testing on campus. "Just as needle distribution helped reduce injection-related HIV infections, condom distribution and inclusive sex education have the potential to reduce infections caused by unsafe sex," he said. These bold strategies, he stressed, should not be seen as promoting risky behaviour but rather as pragmatic, data-based steps grounded in real-world experience to save lives and build a culture of responsible sexual health among youth. He added that the success in reducing HIV transmission among injecting drug users should serve as a model for reforming HIV prevention strategies in universities. Challenges Acknowledging that it is not easy for a young person to accept the reality of living with HIV for life, counsellor Dr Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah said stigma and discrimination remain key barriers to implementing intervention programmes on campus. "As long as people lack accurate information and understanding about HIV and AIDS, stigma and discrimination will persist. On top of that, lack of funding and institutional and administrative support within higher learning institutions also contribute to the problem. "Cultural and religious sensitivities also limit open discussion around sex, condoms, HIV and AIDS. Very few people are willing to talk about these topics openly," the senior lecturer in Guidance and Counselling at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, told Bernama. He also observed that sexual education at universities is still inadequate as there is no dedicated subject on the topic in the higher education curriculum. "Most students are only exposed to sexual education through seminars, workshops, community activities or indirectly," he said. As a counsellor, he believes that guidance and counselling approaches can help universities address the issue of HIV among students. Campus health clinics can also offer voluntary and confidential advice and counselling services on HIV, in collaboration with NGOs that play a role in HIV/AIDS prevention in Malaysia. "Emphasise confidentiality so more students will come forward for testing. From the data collected, we can develop action plans to control the spread of HIV among IPT students," he added, noting that peer counselling programmes also have the potential to help address this concern. - Bernama
Barnama
04-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Bolder Measures Needed To Curb HIV Transmission Among IPT Students
D ata shared by the Malaysian AIDS Council in April revealed a worrying reality: 44 percent of those infected with HIV in the country are youths aged between 20 and 29. According to reports quoting the council's honorary secretary Dr Zaiton Yahya, most new infections involve school leavers and students from institutions of higher learning (IPT). Two days ago, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni disclosed that 222 cases of IPT students infected with HIV were reported last year. This figure is part of the total 1,091 HIV cases involving IPT students reported between 2021 and 2024. These alarming statistics should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to urgently investigate why a growing number of educated young people are being infected with HIV. Are the current measures – leftover from the time when HIV infections were mainly due to drug needle sharing – still relevant? AN OUTDATED APPROACH According to Dr Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, a lecturer at the Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Human Ecology at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the current strategies are no longer relevant to today's youth. He said current HIV awareness programmes still rely on conventional methods such as public lectures, leaflet distribution and exhibitions, which are less engaging to students. 'The failure to tailor approaches to the communication style of younger generations has led to poor participation in these programmes. Moreover, most programmes tend to attract those at lower risk of HIV infection, that is, those who are not sexually active or not exposed to risky behaviours,' he told Bernama. The expert explained that such methods alienate the actual target group, namely students who fall into high-risk categories, such as those who are sexually active, use dating apps or engage in same-sex relationships as they would feel afraid or embarrassed to participate in such programmes. 'They are worried about being judged or recognised by friends or lecturers, so they choose to avoid any HIV-related programmes. As a result, the group most in need of information and support ends up not taking part in the programmes concerned,' he added. Citing findings from a study he carried out recently, Mohammad Mujaheed also said many students were unaware of HIV-related programmes in their universities, showing that HIV prevention messages are not effectively reaching the intended audience. 'A large number of male and female students said they had never received direct information from the university and only learned about HIV through social media or stories shared by friends and acquaintances,' he said, adding the study showed students were more drawn to interactive content such as short videos, social media posts or experiential activities. The study, titled 'The Rise of HIV Cases in Higher Education Institutions: Exploring Risk Behaviours, Effectiveness of Prevention Programmes and Strategies for the Health and Well-Being of Young Generations', was conducted in January and involved 500 respondents from institutions of higher learning in the Klang Valley, Selangor and Putrajaya. LIFESTYLE Discussing the causes of HIV infection, Dr Mohammad Mujaheed pointed to liberal lifestyles, social pressure and the normalisation of premarital sex, including same-sex relations, without protection as major contributing factors. According to findings from his study, some respondents admitted to becoming sexually active after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exam, driven by curiosity and a lack of formal education on sexual health. He said some also used social applications such as Grindr, Hornet and Tinder to find partners, which could have led to casual sexual encounters without adequate protection. 'Some engaged in oral or anal sex at a young age and only became aware of HIV risks after being diagnosed. They were also more exposed to pornography and unfiltered sexual content, especially on social media,' he said. Shockingly, some students admitted to intentionally transmitting HIV to others as an act of revenge or what is referred to as 'revenge transmission'. In such cases, he said, the students knowingly withheld their HIV-positive status from their partners and continued engaging in unprotected casual sex. 'They admitted to intentionally spreading the virus, saying they didn't want to bear the burden alone. They were consumed by anger, betrayal and disappointment and felt others should 'feel the same pain',' he said, stressing that this issue demands serious attention from the authorities. He said the study found most infections resulted from casual sex, with many students engaging in unprotected sex with different partners. 'Factors such as trust in their partners, lack of knowledge or emotional and peer pressure led them to ignore protective measures,' he said. He also noted that same-sex relationships among male students (MSM – men who have sex with men) were identified as one of the risky behaviours. NEED SHIFT IN APPROACH Recommending that prevention efforts be improved by adopting more targeted, youth-friendly and stigma-free strategies to reach those most at risk, Mohammad Mujaheed said authorities must move away from generic, moralistic and untargeted prevention messages. 'There is now an urgent need for bolder and more realistic approaches to address HIV transmission among IPT students, similar to how harm reduction strategies were successfully used in the past to curb the spread of HIV among injecting drug users. 'In the past, sharing of needles was the main contributor to new HIV cases in Malaysia. However, with interventions such as clean needle distribution, targeted health education for drug users, and collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and health agencies, HIV infections through needle-sharing dropped significantly,' he said. While the approach was initially considered a 'sensitive' matter, its success in reducing infection rates proved that realistic and non-punitive interventions are more effective in the context of prevention. Therefore, he said, similar methods should be considered in tackling sexual transmission of HIV among IPT students. His suggestions include the implementation of comprehensive, non-judgmental sexual education; providing access to condoms and counselling; and conducting voluntary, confidential HIV testing on campus. 'Just as needle distribution helped reduce injection-related HIV infections, condom distribution and inclusive sex education have the potential to reduce infections caused by unsafe sex,' he said. These bold strategies, he stressed, should not be seen as promoting risky behaviour but rather as pragmatic, data-based steps grounded in real-world experience to save lives and build a culture of responsible sexual health among youth. He added that the success in reducing HIV transmission among injecting drug users should serve as a model for reforming HIV prevention strategies in universities. CHALLENGES Acknowledging that it is not easy for a young person to accept the reality of living with HIV for life, counsellor Dr Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah said stigma and discrimination remain key barriers to implementing intervention programmes on campus. 'As long as people lack accurate information and understanding about HIV and AIDS, stigma and discrimination will persist. On top of that, lack of funding and institutional and administrative support within higher learning institutions also contribute to the problem. 'Cultural and religious sensitivities also limit open discussion around sex, condoms, HIV and AIDS. Very few people are willing to talk about these topics openly,' the senior lecturer in Guidance and Counselling at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, told Bernama. He also observed that sexual education at universities is still inadequate as there is no dedicated subject on the topic in the higher education curriculum. 'Most students are only exposed to sexual education through seminars, workshops, community activities or indirectly,' he said. As a counsellor, he believes that guidance and counselling approaches can help universities address the issue of HIV among students. Campus health clinics can also offer voluntary and confidential advice and counselling services on HIV, in collaboration with NGOs that play a role in HIV/AIDS prevention in Malaysia. 'Emphasise confidentiality so more students will come forward for testing. From the data collected, we can develop action plans to control the spread of HIV among IPT students,' he added, noting that peer counselling programmes also have the potential to help address this concern.
