Latest news with #Sahabat
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Vilified by Kelantan cops as ‘gay party', here's what actually happens during an HIV outreach and why it's important
A June HIV outreach event in Kota Bharu provided HIV/STI screenings, counselling, health talks, and meals for 70 participants, ending late to accommodate those with work commitments. However, Kelantan police raided the outreach around 1am, labelling it a 'gay sex party'; three men were later fined for possessing obscene content, though no sexual activity or drug use was found. Civil society groups condemned the raid's misinformation and stigmatising impact, warning it could deter vulnerable communities from accessing vital HIV prevention services. KOTA BHARU, July 26 — Kelantan police were lambasted last week after accusing an HIV health outreach programme here in June as a 'gay sex party', with the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and other civil societies forced to correct the misinformation. Despite that, three men arrested by the police during the event had already been charged in court with possessing 'obscene' images and videos on their phones — and were subsequently fined after pleading guilty. In a statement last week, the MAC explained that the event was part of a long-term health outreach initiative organised by the local NGO Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat) under the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) to promote HIV interventions among hard-to-reach populations. The MAC said the session was held in collaboration with Kota Jembal Health Clinic, and is a part of the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model introduced by the Health Ministry (MOH) to combat AIDS by 2030. Malay Mail unpacks the event and why it is essential: Kelantan State Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin has denied that it is the organiser of the HIV outreach programme raided by police. — Picture from Facebook/Jabatan Kesihatan Kelantan What is DHSKP anyway? Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad last week confirmed on X that the event was part of ongoing outreach efforts. As outlined by the MAC, the DHSKP is a strategic, community-driven initiative aimed at tailoring HIV services to the unique needs of populations most at risk. These key populations include men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, and female sex workers or women at risk. This model relies on collaborations between community organisations and government clinics, positioning community healthcare workers as pivotal in connecting people at risk to essential prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. Such efforts aim to make healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and effective, especially for those facing discrimination within traditional healthcare settings. SalamMadani Colloboration bet MOH, State Health Depart JKN) & health NGO groups, is of great importance in reaching out to high-risk populations in order to impart knowledge about prevention strategies, the importance of early diagnosis & benefits of early treatment in… — Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) July 21, 2025 'With the current shift in HIV transmission trends toward sexual contact, intervention strategies have been adapted to respond to emerging needs,' Sahabat said in a statement yesterday. 'Efforts are now focused on reaching individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour, a group often difficult to access through conventional health services. All interventions are carried out with sensitivity to local cultural norms and values.' Sahabat explained it has been a key implementing partner in HIV prevention programmes for high-risk communities in Kelantan, working in close collaboration with the MOH, MAC, and the Kelantan Health Department — even as the latter previously tried to distance itself from the event. 'This long-standing partnership has played a significant role in reducing new HIV infections in the state — particularly among people who inject drugs, once the primary driver of local HIV transmission,' it said. Sahabat said the event was simply intended to offer a safe, stigma-free environment for delivering essential health information. — Picture courtesy of Sahabat What actually happened that night of the raid? Sahabat said it had organised a community outreach programme at a homestay here on June 17, when the police raided the event while claiming it was a 'gay sex party' event. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat insisted they had acted due to complaints and cited valid intelligence in justifying its raid — arguing it was done to maintain public order and safeguard moral values. However, Sahabat said the event were merely aimed to provide a safe, stigma-free space to deliver vital health information, screening services, and counselling to members of the key populations. According to Sabahat: A total of 62 individuals attended the event, including 13 Sahabat staff members, in addition to a Family Medicine Specialist and a Medical Officer who served as guest speakers. The session began with a health talk on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), followed by an interactive quiz and a communal meal. Those who tested positive were referred to MOH facilities for confirmatory testing and follow-up treatment. Four participants living with HIV also attended with their own antiretroviral medication. No medication was dispensed or distributed at the event. The event concluded at approximately 11:30 p.m., with around 20 individuals, including seven Sahabat staff, staying behind to complete follow-up screening in phases. 'The programme was conducted outside regular office hours to allow working participants to attend and benefit from the services offered,' an MAC spokesman told Malay Mail. 'Each individual screening took between 10 and 15 minutes. In total, the session extended to nearly six hours — well past midnight — to ensure that all 70 clients received both testing and appropriate counselling.' Kelantan health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin previously said he was informed that the raid had happened well after the outreach programmed ended. MAC and Sahabat maintained that the raid happened around 1am, when screenings were still conducted. Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said their intention behind the raid was simply to undertake 'amar makruf' (enjoining good) and 'nahi mungkar' (forbidding the bad). — Bernama pic What has the reaction been so far? The raid has prompted a coalition of 31 NGOs and civil entities led by transgender advocacy group Justice for Sisters (JFS) to release a statement urging Kelantan police to correct their portrayal of the June event. The coalition said all attendees tested negative in police-conducted urine tests, and no evidence of sexual activity or promotional content on social media was found. The coalition said the police's public statements were stigmatising, including unnecessary disclosure of HIV status and harmful suggestions about HIV medication. They also alleged human rights violations during the raid, including degrading treatment and privacy breaches, which have deterred victims from seeking redress. JFS co-founder S. Thilaga told Malay Mail that due to Malaysia's legal environment, these programs cannot be openly promoted, making it crucial for NGOs supported by the MOH to conduct targeted outreach efforts. Thilaga warned that labelling the event as a 'gay party' could incite moral panic among LGBTQ and vulnerable communities. 'Following the raid, there's heightened fear and concern for safety,' she said, adding that such actions might undermine trust between these communities and service providers. Citing a MOH report, Thilaga said conducting HIV outreach is challenging for the LGBTQ groups due to existing discrimination. 'This issue may further deter vulnerable groups from seeking services,' she added. Justice for Sisters co-founder S. Thilaga warned that the raid has only made the LGBTQ community more afraid of getting health services. — Picture by Hari Anggara. Echoing similar sentiments, PT Foundation acting chief operating officer Raymond Tai expressed concern over the incident's impact on the collaborative programmes between the Health Ministry and NGOs. 'The controversy jeopardises the programme's future, which is pivotal for our 2030 target,' he said, stressing that continued efforts are vital for success. Tai said Malaysia is an exemplary country that uses government and NGO partnership to mitigate HIV/AIDS to end it in 2030. Following the controversial police raid, JFS said it conducted a survey among vulnerable communities, receiving responses from 93 from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and 13 from outside the community. The findings revealed some concerns within the LGBTQ community:
The Star
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
'Gay sex party': Health Ministry-NGO collab vital in enhancing infectious disease prevention, says Kelantan Health director
KOTA BARU: Close collaboration between the Health Ministry and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is a key element in strengthening infectious disease prevention and implementing early interventions, especially among high-risk groups, according to Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. According to Bernama, he said strategic approaches such as outreach activities conducted by the Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat), with support from the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, serve as a good example of an effective collaboration between government agencies and NGOs. He said collaboration with NGOs like Sahabat enables the ministry to reach out to high-risk groups such as drug addicts who use syringes and men who have sex with men. "Health education programmes and field activities conducted since 2006 by Sahabat in partnership with the ministry have had a positive impact on raising public awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and Hepatitis C. "The health education provided not only aims to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early diagnosis but also helps protect close contacts such as wives and children from the risk of infection,' he said in a statement on Monday (July 21). Dr Zaini's statement comes hot on the heels of a police raid on a supposed "gay sex party" a bungalow in Kemumin, Kota Bharu, last week. However, the raid has sparked controversy after several NGOs and individuals denied that any illicit activities took place, claiming instead that the gathering was a health outreach event focused on HIV awareness and testing. Commenting further, Dr Zaini said the ministry remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment access for all levels of society. He said this is in line with the national health policy, which takes into account religious values and cultural sensitivities. "Such strategic collaborations will continue to be expanded as part of efforts to strengthen the community support system in addressing public health issues in an inclusive and effective manner,' he said.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Not a 'gay party' but a HIV awareness event
KUALA LUMPUR: The so-called "gay party" raided by Kelantan police last month was actually an HIV awareness programme. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a tweet last night, shared a statement from the Kelantan Health Department which said the event was part of outreach activities. The event was organised by Sahabat, an NGO operating under the guidance of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF). The statement said Sahabat has been a strategic partner of the department since 2006 in implementing health education and field activities targeting high-risk populations, including intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men (MSM). In his tweet, Dzulkefly said collaborations between the ministry, state health departments, and NGOs were crucial in reaching high-risk populations to raise awareness on prevention strategies, the importance of early diagnosis, and the benefits of early treatment in preventing serious complications. "Health education is also important to improve health literacy and to protect close contacts, such as wives and children, who are at risk of contracting HIV. "The ministry remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises disease prevention, early intervention, and access to treatment for all, in line with the country's health policy according to religious values and cultural sensitivity." It was reported that on June 17, police raided the programme at 1am, seizing HIV medication and condoms. Kelantan police chief Datuk Yusoff Mamat said the operation followed public tip-offs and intelligence gathered by a special team after complaints about a food-themed event allegedly organised for the gay community. However, several NGOs rejected claims that it was a "gay party", saying the event aimed to provide sexual health and HIV-related information, distribute condoms, and offer voluntary testing to encourage safer sexual practices. The Malaysian AIDS Council, which was involved, added that the late-night session was due to confidential HIV testing, which takes 10 to 15 minutes per client, with those testing reactive given counselling and referred for follow-up care. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat subsequently defended the raid, saying it was based on strong evidence.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH-NGO partnership boosts infectious disease prevention in Kelantan
KOTA BHARU: Close collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH) and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is crucial in strengthening infectious disease prevention and early intervention efforts, particularly among high-risk groups, said Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. He cited outreach initiatives by the Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat), supported by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, as a successful model of government-NGO cooperation. Such partnerships allow MOH to engage with vulnerable communities, including intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men. 'Health education programmes and field activities conducted since 2006 by Sahabat in partnership with the ministry have had a positive impact on raising public awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and Hepatitis C,' Dr Zaini said in a statement. He emphasised that these efforts not only promote prevention and early diagnosis but also safeguard close contacts, such as family members, from infection risks. Dr Zaini reiterated the ministry's commitment to a public health approach focused on prevention, early intervention, and accessible treatment for all. This aligns with national health policies that respect religious and cultural sensitivities. 'Such strategic collaborations will continue to be expanded as part of efforts to strengthen the community support system in addressing public health issues in an inclusive and effective manner,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry works with NGOs to combat HIV
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH), his department and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is vital in engaging high-risk groups, including intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men (MSM). He said their collaboration enhanced awareness of disease prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment to avoid serious complications. "The Health Ministry is referring to recent news coverage on an outreach activity by Sahabat, an NGO operating under the guidance of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF). "Sahabat is a strategic partner of the Kelantan Health Department and has worked closely with us since 2006 in implementing health education and field activities targeting high-risk populations, including intravenous drug users and MSM," he said. Zaini said health education plays a crucial role in protecting close contacts, including wives and children, who may be at risk of HIV infection. He added that the outreach efforts also focused on raising awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted infections and Hepatitis C. "The MOH remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises disease prevention, early intervention and access to treatment for all, in line with the national health policy that respects religious values and cultural sensitivities," he said. Kelantan police foiled a secret gathering involving more than 100 gay men in Pengkalan Chepa last month, which was believed to be on the verge of escalating into immoral activities. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the event took place at a rented bungalow in Kemumin in mid-June, following a tip-off from the public regarding a planned closed-door event involving a gay group in Kota Baru.
