Police defend raid as NGOs dispute LGBT event claims
"Let them say what they want, but we the police have the evidence that led to the operation," he said in a brief WhatsApp message to the New Straits Times.
Mohd Yusoff's remarks come after a coalition of 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals rejected police claims that the mid-June raid targeted a "gay sex party". They insisted that the event was, in fact, a legitimate HIV awareness and health outreach session.
In a joint statement yesterday, the coalition dismissed the police's narrative surrounding the raid in Kota Baru last month, which had been widely reported in local media.
They said documentation by Justice for Sisters (JFS) clearly contradicted the police's version of events.
"Contrary to allegations that it was a 'same-sex sex party', the programme was actually a health event," the statement said.
"It provided sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to encourage safer sexual practices."
The event, which began at 8pm, included a health talk conducted in collaboration with healthcare providers, including doctors.
By midnight, the programme was winding down, although around 20 participants were reportedly still at the venue awaiting their test results.
Meanwhile, JFS called on the police to correct misinformation related to the alleged "gay party".
"We urge Kelantan police to verify the accuracy of the information shared with the media about the raid on the alleged gay party in June 2025," the group said.
"The incident drew swift and discriminatory remarks against LGBT people from both state and non-state actors, fuelling fear of further discrimination, violence and marginalisation."
JFS maintained that its own documentation painted a vastly different picture from that presented by police.
"Among the key inaccuracies was the allegation that the event was a 'gay sex party' — in reality, it was a health-focused initiative."
The statement also clarified that none of the attendees were there to provide sexual services.
"Participants were present to access sexual health information and testing.
The claim that they paid to attend the event is false — it was a free, community-based health initiative aimed at increasing access to healthcare for marginalised groups."
JFS further disputed police claims that the event was promoted on social media.
"This too is inaccurate," it added.
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