Kemumin raid based on credible intelligence, police say
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.
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