Summary

  • Galen Centre condemns raid on health outreach event in Kota Bharu.

  • Group says seeking healthcare services, assistance, and information is not criminal conduct.

The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has strongly condemned a raid on a health outreach event in Kota Bharu last month, describing it as a dangerous move that threatens public trust in the healthcare system.

In a statement today, Galen Centre chief executive Azrul Khalib criticised the June 17 incident, where attendees of an event co-organised with a government clinic were accused of participating in a “gay party”, raided by authorities, and reportedly threatened with prosecution.

“These actions violated individual dignity and risked undermining public trust in Malaysia’s healthcare system,” said Azrul.

He said the Galen Centre fully supports calls from Justice for Sisters and the Malaysian AIDS Council urging authorities to correct the record and prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Such misinformation and responses have real-world consequences on people and communities. They may cause an escalation of harmful and discriminatory actions and promote violence,” he said.

Field outreach session

Yesterday, JFS led a coalition of 31 NGOs and individuals that pushed back against police claims over the event, insisting instead that it was a legitimate HIV awareness and health outreach session supported by the Health Ministry.

The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) also confirmed that a field outreach session was conducted under the Health Ministry’s Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model, with more than 70 clients from key populations at higher risk.

However, the New Straits Times today quoted Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat, who defended the raid.

”Let them say what they want, but we have the evidence that led to the operation," he said in a brief WhatsApp message.

Azrul stressed that outreach activities involving marginalised groups are vital to the country’s public health goals, and any disruption or moral panic could create harmful barriers to access.

“Incidents like these create obstacles and barriers for those needing health services. It could result in episodes of abuse,” he said.

“We are also aware of the sad reality that perpetrators of abuse against such individuals often act with impunity and escape unpunished. Fear is a potent barrier to healthcare.

“People from marginalised communities should not have to fear accessing health services, especially government services, and should be able to feel confident and safe while doing so," he said.

Alienating vulnerable groups

Further, Azrul warned that linking health-seeking behaviour with criminality only serves to deepen stigma and alienate vulnerable groups.

“Misinformation must be addressed robustly. The use of moral panic to police sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable. Seeking healthcare services, assistance, and information is not criminal conduct.

“Delivering care in a climate of fear or shame inflicts further harm,” he said.

He also called on authorities to respond with compassion and respect, regardless of personal beliefs.

“Individuals deserve confidentiality, non-judgment, dignity, and humane treatment in all health and police interactions.”

According to MAC, the event was supported by medical officers from Kota Jembal health clinic, who assisted in providing sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to promote safer sexual health practices.