Penang Family Health Development Association

24/12/2025

🎅Hohoho.. Merry Christmas🎄

09/12/2025

PRESS RELEASE by Malaysian AIDS Council

*STOP WEAPONIZING HIV and AIDS to INTIMIDATE KEY POPULATIONS*

Kuala Lumpur, 7 December 2025: 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 whilst 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 sensationalize 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 Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) on this matter.

MAC urges political leaders, policymakers, public commentators and media actors to avoid framing HIV in ways that stigmatize individuals or communities. We call for a renewed focus on the broader national objective: ending AIDS in Malaysia by 2030, as outlined in the Ministry of Health’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 (ART), 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.

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.

*[END]*

Kindly click the URL below for English translation of the Press Release

https://shorturl.at/NYsj4

Sila klik di pautan berikut untuk memuat turun terjemahan Bahasa Malaysia Siaran Media ini.

https://shorturl.at/xZ5M1

For further enquiries, please contact the Communications & Media Department, Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC):

Zahra - 010-2925162
Azahemy - 016-6465874

07/12/2025

07/12/2025

Calling all youth aged 18–26! Join FHDA for an interactive workshop on HIV prevention, sexual health, and understanding PrEP.

📅 28 November 2025
🕒 2:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Berjaya Hotel, Jalan Burma, Penang
🍽️ Dinner provided!

The session will be in English & Malay, with discussions, activities, and sharing sessions.

📞 Contact Mdm Hezreen: 010-4200428

07/12/2025

12/11/2025

Wan represented FHDA at the SPUGTZ Mesyuarat Pencapaian. We are under the Jawatankuasa Kebajikan & Khidmat Social. There was a productive discussion and SPUGTZ looks forward to more initiatives in the coming year.

11/11/2025

10 Nov: Christine and Wan shared Stories of Hope upon invitation by KDU Penang University College, Batu Kawan. They spoke on HIV/AIDS - transmission, prevention and PrEPing for a better future. Dr Kalai was also present at the event.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

University of Wollongong students together with FHDA and Tamarai present *"Heal In Vibes" to young people on 22nd November 2025*, 10am at Tamarai One Stop Skills Centre, No. 4441 Lorong Tokong, Bagan Luar Butterworth.

Colouring competition for tote bags and Canva poster design competition commence at 10am. Register now to book your seat ( use QR code to scan)😊
Interested primary, secondary students or anyone interested pre register either scan using QR code in the e poster or use link below - Heal In Vibes activities on 22nd November 2025, 10am, at Tamarai One Stop Skills Centre, 4441 Lorong Tokong , Bagan Luar, Butterworth.

Join us in a series of FUN ACTIVITIES and WIN EXCITING PRIZES. Date: Saturday, 22nd November 2025 Time: 10:00AM to 2:00PM Location: Tamarai One Stop Skills Centre 4441, Lorong Tokong, Bagan Luar 12000, Butterworth, Pulau Pinang https://share.google/AoxgKh1mFPnLvaXzu For more enquiries, please contac...

07/11/2025

*Divas of Comedy* is landing in Penang with a night of fierce humour, dazzling performances, and pure diva energy 💃✨

Get ready to laugh out loud with Malaysia’s legendary Queen of Comedy *Joanne Kam* and the fabulously funny *Bibi KPoh*— two comedy powerhouses serving sass, wit, and punchlines sharper than stilettos.

And that’s just the beginning. Joining them on stage are the sensational divas *Arisha* and *Salmah*, bringing glam, vocals, and plenty of sparkle to make this a night Penang won’t forget.

📍 *Venue:* lyf Georgetown Penang
📅 *Date:* 22 November 2025 (Saturday)
⏰ *Showtime:* 8:30 PM

After the show, the party doesn’t stop — it just turns up. Head over to *House Affair*, the official after party at Cocktails & Shots (10 PM till late) for beats, drinks, and diva-level vibes all night long.

🎟️ *Two comedians. Two divas. One unforgettable night.*

Get your tickets now and prepare to be gagged, glammed, and gloriously entertained.

👉

Divas of Comedy is bringing a night of bold humour, fierce glamour, and unforgettable fun to Penang 💃✨The one and only Joanne Kam...