[PHOTO GALLERY]

'Zombies' took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur today to object to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which many fear will restrict access to affordable medication.

Joining a group of activists protesting against the TPPA, some six of the ‘undead’ made their appearance in front of Sogo shopping mall at 11am, attracting much attention from shoppers and passers-by.

Another participant in the demonstration was a HIV patient, who has been concerned over the price of needed medication for HIV positives, which will increase significantly once the TPPA comes into effect.

According to the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM), the ‘zombies’ symbolise the hardship the people will face once their access to cheaper medicine is blocked  with the signing of the TPPA and is enforcement.

"Zombies are part of pop culture, so we expect this gimmick to work.

"It is symbolic as after the conclusions of the (TPPA) negotiations, our medicines will become more costly, and so diseases will spread," MTEM senior associate Rizal Jaafar said.

"And so, Malaysians will find it difficult to purchase medicines, and so we become zombies, alive but impoverished by disease," he  added.

Meanwhile, Rizal ( right ) told the media that the group expects US President Barack Obama to sign the TPPA with Malaysia when he comes down in April, as it is said that 95 percent of the terms of the agreement has already been agreed upon.

Hence they are appealing to ministers from the 12 nations participating in the ongoing negotiations to reject all Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (Trips) conditions in the agreement.

“There have been many negotions where 95 percent have been decided on. (Chances are) high that it will be signed.

“We choose to protest as the supermarket so to warn shoppers that in one or two years (after the TPPA is signed), we can no longer affor to shop here (at the supermarket).

“...There is no more money as we need it to buy medicine and bear the burden of the TPPA,” he claimed.

'Inhumane agreement'

Meanwhile, HIV patient Edward Loh noted that he and his wife - who is also HIV positive - would need affordable generic medicine to stay healthy.

"Our beloved children are HIV-free because of generic medicines which are still affordable.

"I was really surprised about the Malaysian government's apparent openness in accepting such an inhumane measure," he said.

The Malaysian Aids Council is an active participant in the anti-TPPA movement due to concerns over the price of generic medication.

The government has assured that it will not sign the TPPA if it affects public health.