The Health Ministry defended its controversial video production competition but denied discriminating against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual (LGBT) community.

This was after the ministry was criticised for the video contest in which one of the topic was on "prevention" of gender dysphoria, which examples it said were "gay, lesbian, transgender and tomboy".

"With regard to the LGBT, the Health Ministry embraces the principle of health for all without discrimination in providing health services.

"We have specific guideline for all health workers to treat every client equally and with due respect to an individual’s right," it said in a statement today.

The statement was uploaded on Facebook by Health Ministry director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah.

It added that the ministry has gone the extra mile in collaborating with agencies and NGOs by providing specific health services.

"Currently, there are 23 sexually transmitted infection-friendly clinics nationwide providing services for specific high risk groups and visitors are increasing daily.

"It has special registration and service provision processes to improve acceptance and compliance to test and treatment of these special groups.

"The Health Ministry is also in the process of expanding HIV screening services in the community by the community. The Health Ministry has also provide fundings to NGOs for HIV related activities," it said.

On the video contest, the Health Ministry said it was to educate adolescents on sexual and productive health.

"In the context that 'prevention is better than cure', this competition aims to empower adolescents to make wise decisions and choices regarding their sexual reproductive health," said the ministry.

"Scientific evidence from local and abroad shows close association between the risk of HIV with unhealthy sexual reproductive health practices, which can be intervened through preventive activities and promoting healthy lifestyle.

"This creative video competition is purely to tap the knowledge and creativity of adolescents on sexual and reproductive health-related matters and does not intend to create discrimination to any particular group," it said.