Latest news with #YusoffMamat
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Zamri, Firdaus, and cops define Madani's religious agenda
'The raid was conducted with everyone's best interests in mind. Our intention was simply to undertake amar makruf and nahi mungkar.' - Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat, referring to the Islamic concept of enjoining good and forbidding wrong. COMMENT | The inaction of the Madani state in not prosecuting two bigoted preachers and sanctioning (by silence) the actions of the police in Kelantan is evidence that the religious agenda of the state is not defined in Putrajaya. It is instead determined by state actors independent of the three branches of government, which may be a policy agenda of Madani. The action of the police in Kelantan is particularly egregious because the top brass continues with the disingenuous narrative that they were disrupting a 'gay sex party', even though the Health Ministry has in writing confirmed that this is an event they were involved. The Kelantan police continue to say otherwise in defiance of what a federal agency has stated, because they understand their actions, which are based on religious dogma, would not be contradicted by the federal agency tasked with ensuring the healthcare of the citizens of this country. Meanwhile, Bukit Aman remains silent when all this does is...
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Kemumin raid based on credible intelligence, police say
Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat advised the public not to spread unverified information and to continue cooperating with the authorities to preserve harmony in the state. (Bernama pic) KOTA BHARU : Police say the recent raid on a private gathering at a homestay in Kemumin was based on valid intelligence and evidence, with no intent of discrimination. Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said the operation was carried out to maintain public order and safeguard moral values. He said intelligence revealed that invitations to the event, 'Majlis Malam Mesra Komuniti & Santai-Santai', were shared via WhatsApp within a select group, with no involvement by any official body such as an NGO or the health ministry. 'On the day of the event, the Kelantan police task force began surveillance at 5pm and observed around 100 individuals gathering to eat and socialise. The raid was carried out at about 1am to ensure public safety,' he said in a statement. He added that 20 individuals at the premises admitted to being part of the gay community, including a man from Perak and a student from a higher education institution in Besut, Terengganu. The rest were locals from Kelantan. Yusoff said checks of the participants' mobile phones found three individuals in possession of pornographic videos involving same-sex acts. 'All three were charged under Section 292 of the Penal Code and pleaded guilty in the Kota Bharu magistrates' court on July 20. They were fined between RM3,000 and RM4,000,' he said. The raid also uncovered hundreds of condoms and several boxes of HIV medication. Yusoff advised the public not to spread unverified information and to continue cooperating with the authorities to preserve harmony in the state. On Monday, the Kelantan government reminded all parties to inform local authorities and the relevant agencies before organising any events, to avoid confusion, misunderstanding, and negative public perceptions. Deputy menteri besar Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said that events, including health-related programmes, should be conducted properly and in accordance with procedures and regulations.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
NGO says Kelantan HIV infections slashed through joint outreach programmes
Persatuan Perantaraan Pesakit Kelantan said the event was aimed at providing a safe, stigma-free space to deliver vital health information, screening services, and counselling. PETALING JAYA : A health NGO says its collaboration with the health ministry, Kelantan health department, and Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) has resulted in a significant reduction of HIV infections in the state, following a police raid on an alleged 'gay party'. Persatuan Perantaraan Pesakit Kelantan (SAHABAT) said the reduction was especially among those who inject drugs, once the primary driver of local HIV transmission. However, it did not provide any statistics. With HIV transmission methods now shifting towards sexual contact, SAHABAT said different intervention strategies were needed. 'Efforts are now focused on reaching individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour, a group often difficult to access through conventional health services,' it said in a statement. It added that these strategies were carried out 'with sensitivity to local cultural norms and values'. Last Saturday, Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said more than 20 men were arrested at a bungalow in Kota Bharu, allegedly for attending a 'gay party'. However, several groups and doctors later clarified that it was a health event organised to provide sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to promote safer sexual health practices. They said the event, which began at 8pm, included talks by healthcare providers, including doctors. It was to have ended by midnight, but about 20 attendees were still at the event awaiting their test results. None of the attendees at the event was there to provide sexual services, they said. Yusoff said on Wednesday that the raid, carried out to maintain public order and safeguard moral values, was conducted based on valid intelligence and evidence, with no intent of discrimination. SAHABAT said it had organised a community outreach programme at a homestay in Kota Bharu on June 17 as part of its targeted approach. It said the event was aimed at providing a safe, stigma-free space to deliver vital health information, screening services, and counselling, and included talks on HIV and sexually transmitted infections and screenings. 'This outreach reflects the shared commitment of SAHABAT, MAC, the Kelantan health department, and the health ministry to ensure that high-risk communities are not left behind in accessing essential health services,' it said.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Discrimination of high-risk communities hinders HIV prevention efforts, say NGOs
Last Saturday, Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said more than 20 men were arrested at a bungalow in Kota Bharu, allegedly for attending a 'gay party'. PETALING JAYA : Discrimination against high-risk communities will hinder HIV prevention efforts, says a coalition of NGOs, following the recent raid on a sexual health event in Kelantan. The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM) said the marginalisation and societal disadvantages faced by such communities make outreach challenging. While it lauded the health ministry for reducing the number of new HIV cases through the national Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme, it said the epidemic has since shifted to sexual contact as a primary mode of transmission within the last decade. 'This necessitates a change of focus to effective prevention services,' said the federation's acting chairman, Dr Annuar Husainy Hussein. 'HIV prevention services include testing, treatment and safer sex practices, as well as the use of HIV medication. 'These services are essential public health initiatives, especially for populations at increased risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men, transgender persons, people who inject drugs and sex workers. 'FRHAM takes the stand that the harassment and persecution of the affected communities must cease, and that experts in the field be granted the necessary space to accomplish their work.' Last Saturday, Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said more than 20 men were arrested at a bungalow in Kota Bharu, allegedly for attending a 'gay party'. However, several groups and doctors later clarified that it was a health event organised to provide sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to promote safer sexual health practices. They said the event included talks by healthcare providers, including doctors. It was to have ended by midnight, but about 20 attendees were still at the event awaiting their test results.
Free Malaysia Today
17-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Kelantan contraband seizure boosted by integrated ops, stricter border controls
Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said the success reflects the positive impact of strategic collaboration between state and federal enforcement agencies. (Bernama pic) KOTA BHARU : The value of contraband seized in Kelantan surged by almost 78% in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year, driven by enhanced integrated operations and stricter border controls. Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said RM171.5 million worth of contraband was seized between January and June, compared to RM37.2 million during the corresponding period last year. He described the achievement as a source of pride and a clear indication of the effectiveness of the integrated operations strategy, particularly following the border closure implemented in December 2024. 'This success also reflects the positive impact of strategic collaboration between state and federal enforcement agencies. 'The strong synergy established has been effectively leveraged, resulting in tangible improvements in security control across the state,' he said at the monthly assembly of the Kelantan police contingent here today. Yusoff said the success was the result of well-organised efforts, sacrifices, and meticulous planning by the entire team. He called for the continued strengthening of cross-agency cooperation, not only to sustain current achievements, but also to serve as a catalyst for more aggressive efforts to combat smuggling along the border. 'Our objective is not merely to boost seizure statistics, but to safeguard the sovereignty, security, and overall well-being of the Kelantan community,' he said. He emphasised the need to leverage digital technology and artificial intelligence to enhance enforcement capabilities and operational efficiency, and underscored the importance of discipline and integrity among enforcement personnel, describing them as the cornerstone of public trust in the police. 'The trust that we shoulder is not mere rhetoric, but a profound responsibility to religion, race and country,' he said.
