Stop weaponising HIV and Aids to intimidate key populations

The Malaysian Aids Council (MAC) expresses deep concern over the increasingly hostile tone emerging in recent public discussions relating to HIV and Aids.

These narratives – often shaped by misinformation, fear and stigma – risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes about communities disproportionately affected by HIV.

Over the past three decades, Malaysia has made remarkable progress in the national HIV response. Advances in medical science have transformed HIV from a fatal condition into a manageable chronic illness.

Yet, despite this progress, segments of the public discourse continue to disregard scientific evidence, instead amplifying fear and prejudice.

Malaysia has long been recognised globally for its leadership in harm reduction. Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Health, our country has been acknowledged for implementing evidence-based interventions in HIV prevention and care while carefully navigating cultural and religious sensitivities.

This balanced approach has been instrumental in reducing new infections and expanding access to treatment and prevention services.

Recent incidents involving key affected populations in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, however, risk undermining this progress.

Heavy-handed enforcement actions – coupled with the tendency of certain parties to sensationalise these incidents and to deploy HIV/Aids as a false dichotomy to create fear – can further alienate the very communities that national prevention efforts must reach.

Such an approach is counterproductive and does not align with public health principles, nor with the position previously articulated by the Islamic development department, Jakim, on this matter.

The MAC urges political leaders, policymakers, public commentators and media actors to avoid framing HIV in ways that stigmatise individuals or communities.

We call for a renewed focus on the broader national objective: ending Aids in Malaysia by 2030, as outlined in the MoH’s national strategic plan to end Aids.

The integrity of Malaysia’s public health achievements – and our ambition to realise an Aids-free generation – depends on maintaining an environment where people feel safe to access prevention, testing and treatment services without fear of reprisal.

A crucial scientific fact must also be highlighted: undetectable = untransmissible (U=U). When a person living with HIV receives timely and effective antiretroviral treatment, their viral load can be suppressed to an undetectable level. At this stage, HIV cannot be sexually transmitted to another person. This is a cornerstone of modern HIV prevention and should guide a more informed public understanding around HIV transmission risks.

Using an individual’s HIV status, their medical treatment or the use of prevention tools such as condoms or PrEP as grounds for insinuation, intimidation or prosecution is not only unethical but detrimental to public health.

Such practices discourage people from seeking testing and treatment – placing both individuals and the wider community at greater risk.

The MAC extends its appreciation to all civil society partners, healthcare workers and supporters who have voiced their commitment to a compassionate, evidence-based HIV response.

We urge all parties to refrain from actions that intimidate key populations and instead work alongside us in strengthening access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support – so that Malaysia remains firmly on track to end AIDS by 2030. – MAC