Malaysia aims to cut its HIV infection rate by 20 percent in the next year with the implementation of several "high-impact" programs, said Health Minister Chua Soi Lek.

Chua has warned Malaysia faced a widespread HIV/Aids epidemic that could reverse half a century of development if it failed to act aggressively against the virus.

"We project that by the end of 2007 or early 2008, the HIV infection rate will drop by 20 percent," he said at a World AIDS Day function.

HIV infections currently averaged 6,000 cases a year, but if stringent control measures against the scourge were not adopted, up to 300,000 people could be infected by 2015, he added.

Malaysia currently has a total of 73,427 HIV cases among a population of almost 27 million.

Chua said the planned measures included a needle exchange programme, methadone therapy, free anti-retroviral treatment for HIV-positive people, a media awareness campaign and youth education.