The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM) said the marginalisation and societal disadvantages faced by such communities make outreach challenging.

While it lauded the health ministry for reducing the number of new HIV cases through the national Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme, it said the epidemic has since shifted to sexual contact as a primary mode of transmission within the last decade.

“This necessitates a change of focus to effective prevention services,” said the federation’s acting chairman, Dr Annuar Husainy Hussein.

“HIV prevention services include testing, treatment and safer sex practices, as well as the use of HIV medication.

“These services are essential public health initiatives, especially for populations at increased risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men, transgender persons, people who inject drugs and sex workers.

“FRHAM takes the stand that the harassment and persecution of the affected communities must cease, and that experts in the field be granted the necessary space to accomplish their work.”

Last Saturday, Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said more than 20 men were arrested at a bungalow in Kota Bharu, allegedly for attending a “gay party”.

However, several groups and doctors later clarified that it was a health event organised to provide sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to promote safer sexual health practices.

They said the event included talks by healthcare providers, including doctors. It was to have ended by midnight, but about 20 attendees were still at the event awaiting their test results.