2 days ago
Sabah third highest in HIV cases
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025
By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Dzurizah (seated second left) and Asmady (seated second right) in a group photo with students and attendees. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has Malaysia's third highest HIV cases after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur with 344 new cases recorded in 2024. The UMS Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities aims to increase awareness among students to spread information and understanding to peers, family members and the public about HIV/AIDS and LGBT issues. Speaking at the Red Ribbon Talk, its Programme Director Prof. Dr Dzurizah Ibrahim said the forum is an educational platform and awareness initiative that aims to provide exposure to students about HIV issues that are becoming increasingly serious, especially among young people. She said the percentage of HIV cases among young Malaysians, particularly those aged between 20 to 29 years, is also at an alarming rate. 'What is more concerning is that recent statistics also show that many of those infected are men who practice risky sexual behaviour that is often done without knowledge, without information and without consideration of long-term consequences, whether in terms of health, emotions or their own future. 'In the era of globalisation and information openness, many students are exposed to external influences including deviant lifestyles that contradict Malaysia's religious, cultural and moral values. 'We cannot allow the normalisation of lifestyles that harm public health or corrupt the morals of the younger generation who will build our nation's success in the future. 'Most importantly, the programme aims to reduce social stigma towards HIV patients and ensure they are not to be shunned but to be understood, helped and supported,' she said. Meanwhile, UMS' Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Dean Prof Dr Asmady Idris who officiated the ceremony, said the timing of the programme is important given Sabah's HIV statistics. 'The hosting of the Red Ribbon Talk 2025 is very timely, especially when Sabah has been listed as the third-highest State in Malaysia recording new HIV cases,' he said. He said that while there has been a decrease in the number of cases compared to previous years, the figures shared in Parliament in March 2025 remain concerning and require serious attention from all parties. He pointed out that the LGBT issues discussed in the forum is not intended to condemn anyone but to understand social reality, approach it with knowledge and empathy and build inclusive solution strategies. 'Islamic teachings and other religions clearly outline the boundaries that need to be maintained, but at the same time emphasise wisdom, compassion and guidance in dealing with people who are struggling with identity confusion or social pressure,' he said.
