A raid at a wellness centre in Kuala Lumpur has ignited heated discussion about the treatment of LGBTQ individuals in Malaysia, with human rights groups and health advocates expressing deep concern over the approach taken by authorities.

The operation, which took place on Friday night, targeted a venue described as “men only” and resulted in the detention of over 200 individuals. Among them were civil servants, healthcare professionals, and others from a wide range of backgrounds.

The aftermath has highlighted pressing issues related to discrimination, privacy, public health, and media ethics.

The Justice for Sisters group, which campaigns for the rights of LGBTIQ people and gender-diverse communities in Malaysia, has condemned both the raid itself and its coverage in national media.

In a statement released Saturday, the group said the actions taken by law enforcement risk worsening existing inequalities and could have far-reaching consequences for public health efforts—especially in relation to HIV prevention and treatment access. The group’s spokesperson emphasised that already marginalised individuals face daunting levels of social exclusion, with episodes such as this raid serving only to deepen their isolation.

The incident occurred just before midnight, when police entered the centre following what they described as public complaints about alleged vice activities. Local journalists were present at the scene, having been invited by authorities. Arrests were made swiftly, and detainees were photographed and filmed as events unfolded. Reports suggest that some were apprehended while seeking support or social connection in what they believed was a discreet environment.

The involvement of civil servants and medical professionals among those detained has drawn particular attention. Their presence signals the diversity within Malaysia’s LGBTQ community—a point often overlooked in public discourse. It also raises difficult questions about how stigma impacts not only those directly involved but also broader communities and workplaces.

Justice for Sisters argues that the raid and subsequent media coverage have inflicted further harm by violating detainees’ privacy. Images and names have been circulated widely, leaving individuals exposed to ridicule, job loss, family rejection, and even threats of violence.

The group’s spokesperson warned that such exposure could deter others from seeking help—not only for issues related to sexuality or gender identity but also for health services such as HIV testing or counselling.

HIV remains a significant concern in Malaysia, with men who have sex with men (MSM) facing elevated risks of infection. International research demonstrates that stigma and legal sanctions drive people away from healthcare settings, making it harder to reach those most at risk.

When privacy cannot be assured, trust breaks down. This deters individuals from engaging with prevention programmes, accessing medical advice, or participating in research studies.

The events at the wellness centre have also prompted criticism of media practices. Justice for Sisters highlighted what it described as sensational and derogatory reporting. Headlines such as “Caught with their pants down” have appeared in major outlets, reinforcing negative stereotypes and trivialising the underlying issues. Such coverage does not merely reflect societal prejudice—it amplifies it, shaping public perception and influencing policy decisions.

Media involvement in police operations is not new in Malaysia, but this case has brought renewed calls for ethical reforms. The NGO stresses that journalists have a responsibility to consider the consequences of their reporting—not only for those directly affected but also for public understanding of health issues. Coverage that focuses on scandal rather than substance can undermine efforts to promote safer behaviour or reduce transmission of infectious diseases.

The police have defended their actions by pointing to public complaints about alleged indecency. Yet human rights advocates argue that relying on such complaints without careful scrutiny risks perpetuating bias.

Below is the press statement released by NGO, Justice for Sisters;

“Justice for Sisters strongly condemns the raid at a health centre in Kuala Lumpur by the police, JAWI and DBKL on 28 November 2025. The raid resulted in the arrest of 201 people. Eighty of them are reportedly being investigated by JAWI for indecent behaviour in public spaces, while the rest are being investigated under Section 377B of the Penal Code for allegedly committing carnal intercourse. The police claimed that the raid was carried out due to public complaints. 

The media were also invited to participate in the raid, resulting in further violation of the privacy of the detainees. Justice for Sisters also strongly condemns the derogatory and harmful media reporting that has harmful impacts on the lives and livelihoods of people who are already vulnerable in society due to discrimination.

We strongly reject the idea that the police were compelled to act due to public complaints. It is important for the police to discern prejudicial elements in public complaints, given the alarming levels of discrimination against LGBTQ people in Malaysia. When the state raids and arrests LGBTQ people based on prejudicial complaints, the state is further legitimising discrimination and allowing impunity as well as victimisation of LGBTQ people. 

The raid was inherently discriminatory as the health centre was targeted due to its clientele, who are or perceived to be gay, bisexual and queer (GBQ) and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Under international human rights laws and standards, the state is obligated to protect and promote the rights of LGBTIQ people, not regulate actual or perceived sexual orientation or sexual behaviour between consenting adults. 

The men were seen being hauled up in various parts of the building – in the sauna, pool, and gym – completely violating their right to privacy. The stigma and criminalisation of LGBTQ people in Malaysia through laws such as Section 377 and vague laws under the state Syariah Criminal Offences Act/enactments allow such violations to take place with impunity. Such criminalisation allows unnecessary intrusion of the state into the private lives of people based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. 

Further, the raid is completely counterproductive to the government’s efforts to end HIV by 2030 in Malaysia. Health centres, such as the one that was raided, are critical in providing safe spaces for people not only to exercise and socialise but also to seek health information. 

This year alone, JFS has observed multiple disruptions, including raids by the police and other state agencies on health events targeting LGBTIQ people. JFS’s survey on the impact of the police raid of the Kelantan Health event found that 61% of the survey respondents felt discouraged from attending future government or NGO organised health events. Additionally, 83% of the respondents noted that their perception and trust in the police has reduced. 

The Ministry of Health’s 2025 Global AIDS Monitoring report notes that rising prevalence of HIV among key populations (including GBQ men and MSM) “underscores the urgent necessity for comprehensive and targeted intervention strategies to curb the epidemic and protect vulnerable groups.” 

UNAIDS urges countries to decriminalise to end AIDS by 2030. Countries that criminalise key populations, including LGBTQ people, saw less progress towards reaching HIV testing and treatment targets successfully. On the flip side, countries that protect the human rights of LGBTIQ people have seen better progress. Research shows HIV prevalence among GBQ men and MSM who live in countries that criminalise same-sex relations is five times higher compared with countries without such criminal penalties. In countries where there are recent prosecutions, the prevalence is 12 times higher. 

Such police raids and arrests of LGBTQ people, coupled with sensational media coverage, both deter LGBTQ people from seeking support and undermine both governmental and communal efforts to end HIV and uphold human rights. 

We immediately call for all detainees to be released without charges. We also call for the Ministry of Health and Suhakam to investigate the human rights violations and public health impact of the raid”