With regards to the report concerning transsexuals in Terengganu, I would like to relay my dismay and regret over the lack of understanding on the issue of transsexuals (or 'mak nyahs' as we are locally addressed).

The suggestion to set up a rehabilitation centre for 'mak nyahs' who are 'out of control' only further confuses the layman's understanding of who a 'mak nyah' really is. There are many people who are ignorant about the 'mak nyah' community to the point that society thinks transsexuals are social deviants in need of rehabilitation. It is equally annoying to note that a 'mak nyah' is compared to a drug addict, hence the rehabilitation idea.

Up until now. we the 'mak nyahs' have yet to read or hear of views from society offering us positive feedback and help to better our lives. Whatever that is uttered by the society at large always revolves around 'rehabilitation' and this certainly is not helpful. A 'mak nyah' will always remain as one, irrespective of how many rehabilitation centres she is sent to.

The claim that youths are influenced by the effeminate behaviour of our local celebrities holds no basis because 'mak nyahs' are not 'influenced' to be one. You either one or not! I believe the crux of the problem of the aversion towards 'mak nyahs' is because of the perception that all 'mak nyahs' are sex workers. But has anyone paused to ask why do so many transsexuals end up in the flesh trade?

In this era of science and technology, it has been medically and scientifically proven that the existence of 'mak nyahs' is hormonal and is not due to the environment, confusion or Western influence. To worsen matters, the media also is ignorant over the difference between a 'mak nyah' and a transvestite.

For a long time now, 'mak nyahs' have been deprived of their right to lead a non-discriminatory life. We have long lived shrouded by a social stigma which has pushed many of us to the point of despair. To date, there has been no programme specifically tailored for transsexuals, be they for self-development or for the community as a whole.

Stop wasting public funds in trying to capture and rehabilitate 'mak nyahs'. The money and resources can be put to better use by helping yo improve our welfare. Today, the only organisation that has been assisting the 'mak nyahs' is the PT Foundation. It organises community-based programmes and creates awareness on HIV/Aids among the 'mak nyahs'.

It's non-judgemental approach has attracted many 'mak nyahs' to support it be it in terms of ideas or manpower, which in turn led to the UNDP's recognition of its efforts and the awarding of the Red Ribbon Award in 2006 in Toronto, Canada.

Slowly, too, we see initiatives being taken by the religious affairs departments like Jawi and religious affairs NGOs like Yadim and JIM in working with PT to help the 'mak nyah' through religious classes among others.

'Mak nyahs', too, have a right to live. All we ask is for some understanding and compassion.

The writer is with the PT Foundation .