25/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 25, 2025

5

HIV awareness initiative uses peer-to-peer education

Cops bust organised crime group, 17 held KUALA LUMPUR: Police crippled an organised crime group with the arrest of 17 members through operations codenamed Op Jack Sparrow across four states on Sept 11. IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the group is believed to have been active since 2023, carrying out violent crimes, including murder and arson. “The arrests, involving individuals aged between 19 and 44, were carried out by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department in collaboration with the Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang police contingents on Sept 11,” he said at a press conference here yesterday. He added that the group’s violent activities had been widely spread on social media after a video circulated showing its members carrying out a fatal attack in Taman Sentosa, Klang. Mohd Khalid said police are investigating the group’s possible involvement in shooting incidents at restaurants in Brickfields and Cheras last June. “Further investigations revealed that the suspects collectively had 80 criminal records, including 34 drug-related cases,” he said. He also said the suspects were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, Section 130V of the Penal Code for involvement in an organised crime group, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. He said the group is estimated to have 33 members and police are tracking down the remaining members, including six key individuals led by a local man believed to be the mastermind. “Investigations revealed that the group’s main motive was profit, along with struggles over territory and influence. Some members are believed to be involved in drug trafficking and unlicensed moneylending activities,” he said. According to Mohd Khalid, the operation’s success was the result of integrated intelligence and enforcement operations, and it sends a clear message that any party attempting to challenge the law would be brought to justice. – Bernama MACC to propose suspension of DPP CYBERJAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said he would propose to Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar that the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) arrested by police on Tuesday for alleged drug possession be temporarily relieved of duty. He said the DPP had only recently reported for duty at MACC on attachment from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and described the incident as unexpected, adding that it is under police investigation. “I will propose to the attorney-general that this DPP be temporarily relieved from handling prosecutions in court as he has only just begun his attachment with MACC.” When asked whether the DPP had undergone a health screening, including a drug test, prior to reporting for duty, Azam said the matter is under the purview of the AGC as the DPP had previously served in the department. “I believe he has undergone the necessary screenings, including drug tests, which are mandatory for all civil servants, including DPPs. In my view, this incident is purely the result of his own actions, if any.” Earlier, MACC confirmed that a DPP who had just reported for duty last week was arrested by police on Tuesday for alleged drug possession. It said the DPP was detained at his residence, where police reportedly discovered prohibited substances suspected to be drugs. MACC stressed that it would not compromise on any misconduct, breach of law or criminal act involving any of its officers or staff, and remains committed to upholding integrity and good governance within the organisation. – Bernama

She added that while abstinence campaigns remain vital, some students inevitably “fall through the cracks”, which is why safe, stigma-free spaces are crucial. In April, MAC reported that 44% of HIV cases involved individuals aged between 20 and 29. Health Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed that 1,091 HIV cases were recorded among higher education students between 2021 and 2024, including 222 last year alone. Nur Afiqah said the figures show why direct interventions, such as Kami, cannot wait. “We need to be cautious and start having honest conversations about the risks and realities. The priority is ensuring students know the facts and have access to support services. “We cannot pretend all young people would follow abstinence-only messages. Kami provides a safety net for those who do not, ensuring they make informed, responsible decisions,” she said. The initiative has been endorsed by the Higher Education Ministry under the leadership of its secretary-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, who brings extensive HIV policy experience. “Nothing is cast in stone. This is a pilot. We are learning what works and what does not. “But the early response has been encouraging, especially because students recognise the safe space created for them.”

o Programme reflects realities of campus life, from dating culture to gaps in knowledge about sexual health: AIDS council

KUALA LUMPUR: A new youth-driven HIV awareness programme is taking root in universities, aiming to dismantle stigma and close dangerous knowledge gaps through peer to-peer education. The initiative, called Kami, is backed by the Higher Education Ministry and is being piloted at five campuses, with plans to expand to 14 by next year. Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) vice-president Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh said the approach breaks away from traditional lectures or exhibitions because it was co-developed with students themselves. “This is not just another talk or exhibition. We worked closely with students to shape the content in a language that speaks to them and aims to train more young people to understand what HIV is and the services available, and dispel the myths that still surround it.” She said the initiative reflects the realities of campus life, from dating culture and social media to gaps in knowledge about Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

sexual health. “We encourage abstinence, of course. But the reality is that some students would still engage in sexual activity. “For them, information must be available without barriers, stigma or judgement. We want them to understand responsibility to their health, values and religion, and to know the risks of HIV and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases),” she said. Unlike conventional awareness campaigns, Kami creates student “champions” who are empowered to share accurate information within their own circles. Nur Afiqah said peer educators provide a comfort level that may not exist between students and authority figures. “Kami does not involve the direct distribution of condoms or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), but ensures students know where to access services if needed. “It is not about encouraging behaviour, it is about protecting health. If a student asks about STDs, the response should not be ‘why do you have it?’ Instead, we provide education, prevention and, if necessary, care.”

Varsity programme addresses stigma against STDs KUALA LUMPUR: Stigma and misinformation about HIV continue to plague Malaysian campuses, with students fearing casual contact and shunning those living with the virus, a reality that student leaders warn is as harmful as the disease itself. cautious and aware,” he said. He also shared a personal memory from Sarawak, in which a close friend living with HIV was ostracised. “One of the biggest myths is that people with HIV cannot share cups, plates or alcohol with others, or get married. eradicate it. Through this programme, students see how important sexual health education is. “Without protection, the risk of HIV increases. With Kami, they learn that if they do choose to be sexually active, protection is essential to reduce risks,” he said. Nur Afiqah (second from left) during an event to urge critical, pragmatic action to address HIV among youths. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

For Muhammad Asri, the challenge lies not only in correcting misinformation, but also in creating safe spaces for dialogue, something he feels is missing in many families and communities. He said the fear of judgement often prevents young people from asking questions or seeking help, making Kami’s role critical. “If you have made mistakes, do not hide or run. Share your experience because it might create awareness for others. You could become a hero from your mistake. “We hope that Kami could expand to more campuses, especially in the Klang Valley, a hotspot for HIV. “At least now students know who they can approach for questions, advice or support, and that makes campus a safer place,” he said. – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students Abang Abdul Hakim Abang Majidi, 22, and Muhammad Asri Ahmad Rafie, 23, are among those spearheading Kami, a peer-led initiative aimed at breaking myths and creating safe spaces in which fear no longer silences students. Abang Abdul said misconceptions remain deeply entrenched, recalling a friend who panicked after a sexual encounter because he lacked basic knowledge about HIV transmission. “One of my friends was terrified after having sex with a woman he barely knew. He came to me thinking his life was over but what he really needed was accurate information and reassurance. “I guided him to use a self-test kit and, thankfully, his result was negative, but I advised him to re-test after the window period. That experience taught him the importance of being

“These myths push them further into isolation and make them afraid to form friendships. HIV is not spread through casual contact, and with treatment, many live normal lives, including marriage,” he added. Abang Abdul and Muhammad Asri admitted that the early stages of Kami were difficult as students were sceptical and hesitant, questioning why such a programme was needed on campus. However, attitudes began to shift once they realised that the focus was on awareness and prevention, not encouragement of risky behaviour. Abang Abdul said stigma often arises from the mistaken belief that HIV education promotes sexual activity, when the opposite is true. “Kami was established to prevent HIV, not