It Was A Health Event Ngos Hit Back At Cops Over Raid In Kelantan

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A coalition of 31 NGOs and individuals has pushed back against police claims that a recent raid in Kelantan targeted a “gay sex party”, insisting instead that the event was a legitimate HIV awareness and health outreach session.
In a joint statement yesterday, the group - which includes Justice for Sisters, Suaram, Women’s Aid Organisation, PSM, and Amnesty International Malaysia - described the June programme in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, as a public health event aimed at providing access to HIV-related services.
“Justice for Sisters’ (JFS) documentation of the event is completely different from the police’s account.
“Contrary to the allegation that the event was a ‘gay sex party’, it was actually a health event. It provided sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to promote safer sexual health practices.
ADS“The event, which began at 8pm, included health talks with healthcare providers, including doctors. It was winding up by midnight. However, about 20 attendees were still at the event awaiting test results.
“And none of them provided sexual services at the event or were there to provide sexual services. The attendees were at the event to seek sexual health information and tests,” read the statement.
Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat previously defended the raid, saying it was based on intelligence and public complaints regarding a food-themed gathering believed to cater to the gay community.
Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat“Initial information we received indicated that the event was attended by over 100 local men, but when the raid was conducted at around 1am, most had already left, leaving only over 20 individuals on site.
“The raid was carried out after intelligence showed the gathering started at night and was expected to continue into the morning, with a fee charged for participation.
“The event was promoted through social media,” Yusoff told reporters on Thursday.
All tested negative
However, the NGOs claimed police officers — believed to be from the narcotics unit — entered the premises on suspicion it was a “gay party”, and subjected the remaining participants to urine tests, all of which returned negative results.
“The police then checked the attendees’ phones for information about the supposed gay party. They found nothing.
“Three people, however, were arrested for having intimate content, most of which is personal content. We maintain that these are trumped-up charges,” they said.
The statement noted the event was part of wider efforts to reach “hidden populations,” including the LGBTQ+ community, in line with national AIDS prevention strategies.
“To end the AIDS epidemic, we need a whole-of-government and multisectoral approach.
ADS“And the police are critical in implementing harm reduction and ending AIDS efforts, as threats against health centres and services affect health-seeking behaviour,” it said.
The NGOs also warned that after years of progress, including an unofficial cessation of raids on health events targeting vulnerable groups, this raid could mark a dangerous return to outdated practices.
“We are concerned about the re-emergence of this trend and urge the Health Ministry to investigate this matter.
“We also urge the police to correct the inaccurate statements immediately.”
MAC: Part of ministry-backed outreach
Separately, the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) confirmed that it had conducted a field outreach session on June 17 in Kota Bharu under the Health Ministry’s Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model.
Describing it as a targeted and inclusive strategy, MAC said the session brought together more than 70 clients from key populations at higher risk.
"The programme was conducted outside regular office hours to allow working participants to attend and benefit from the services offered.
“DHSKP emphasises tailored service delivery that meets the specific needs of target populations, free from stigma, and carried out through collaboration between public healthcare facilities and community organisations," it said.
MAC added that the event provided screening, counselling, treatment, and support — including access to information about antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in line with the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) principle.
According to MAC, the session extended beyond midnight as HIV testing was done confidentially and professionally, requiring about 10 to 15 minutes per client. Those with reactive results were counselled and referred for follow-up.
It thanked the staff of Klinik Kesihatan Kota Jembal and reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Health Ministry on public health initiatives.
At the same time, MAC urged broader support from government agencies, including local councils and law enforcement, to ensure the DHSKP model can be implemented in a conducive and supportive environment. - Mkini

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