Subramaniam, who launched the national World AIDS Day here, said it was a challenge for the ministry to confront the realities of the sexual habits of Malaysians.
“Behavioural changes are the hardest. It is a difficult matter to tackle, particularly when it involves homosexual relationships,” he said during a speech at the launch of an exhibition at Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching.
“There is difficulty in spreading the message of safe sex in a country where such practices are not recognised.
“It is difficult to have active interventions against it (HIV transmission) in an open manner.”
Subramaniam described the supporting role of NGOs in the health ministry’s initiative as “very important”.
“Without their cooperation, we would not be able to do this and (promote) the programme of condom usage the way it is promoted in HIV campaigns in the other countries.”
As an example of the country’s conservative attitude, Subramaniam pointed out how the World AIDS Day logo depicting a hand with a condom was changed to a more discreet design in Malaysia.
“These things happen because there are differences in beliefs and cultures. It is a challenge and it is why we need the support of NGOs to pass on the message of safe sex to everybody.”
The health ministry reported 92,000 people were diagnosed with AIDS in Malaysia last year. There were 7,200 AIDS-related deaths and 5,200 newly infected cases last year.
There are laws against sodomy and oral sex in Malaysia, but these are seldom enforced.