SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP ISSUE A SOCIAL, HEALTH THREAT - ABIM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) said same-sex relationships can no longer be seen as a personal issue, instead, it should be recognised as a social and health concern requiring intervention from families, communities, authorities, and the educational system.

Its deputy president Mohamad Saifuddin Abdul Latiff said the recent raid on a Chow Kit health premises used for homosexual activities shows that immoral behaviour in the country is becoming increasingly bold, organised, and carried out without shame.

He said what is more worrying is the involvement of 17 civil servants, including teachers and healthcare workers, in activities that are blatantly against religion, human nature, and societal values, and called for such behaviour not to be normalised.

"At the same time, data from the Ministry of Health shows an increasingly concerning trend of HIV infections in the country, where transmission through same-sex relations is rising in new cases.

"This situation underscores that deviant practices are not only contrary to syariah and moral values, but also pose a significant public health risk," he said in a statement today.

Mohamad Saifuddin said that family institutions, schools, mosques, civil society, and the government must work together to comprehensively address the issue, including through law enforcement, moral education, and public health advocacy.

He added that the issue is not about stigma or discrimination; rather, it concerns the sanctity of societal values, moral safety, and the well-being of the people.

"Firm action against deviant behaviour carried out openly is necessary to safeguard the dignity of society, public order, and the future of the nation," he said.

ABIM, he said, regrets that some parties belittle the issue, as though the moral collapse of society is something to be laughed at.

"Such an attitude is extremely dangerous because it opens the door to normalisation, erodes moral sensitivity, and ultimately leads society into a larger wave of social damage," he said.

On Friday, a spa and health centre suspected of being a gathering place for homosexual men to engage in immoral activities was raided by authorities, leading to the arrest of 208 individuals, including 17 civil servants.

-- BERNAMA