HIV/AIDS Screening for Couples: Malaysian States Urged to Discuss with Ministry

Malaysian state governments intending to make it compulsory for Muslim couples to undergo HIV/AIDS screening have been advised to seek the Health Ministry's views and advice before implementing the move. Health Ministry Parliamentary Secretary S. Sothinathan said this was because the ministry's specialists and doctors knew the best way to deal with HIV/AIDS patients. "Before such a move is implemented, we should all sit together and discuss the matter in detail," Sothinathan added. He was commenting on the move by the Johor government to proceed with the controversial step. "Don't be hasty in launching the move," he said.

Sothinathan, who is also the Teluk Kemang Member of Parliament, added that the ministry's stand on HIV/AIDS screening for Muslim couples was clear -- they should not be compelled to undergo the test. "We should not encourage this. Couples, however, are advised to undergo HIV/AIDS screening on their own free will." Meanwhile, the Negri Sembilan government will conduct a study before it decides whether or not to implement HIV/AIDS screening for Muslims intending to marry. State Social, Society Development and Women Affairs Committee Chairperson Norhayati Omar said: "It is vital that all the relevant parties conduct a comprehensive study first so that the move will not backfire."

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