Malaysian Police Arrest 12 Men at Kelantan Gathering Amid Ongoing LGBTQ+ Crackdown

Malaysian police detained twelve men during a late-night raid on a private gathering in the northeastern state of Kelantan, citing the discovery of condoms and HIV medication at the scene as evidence of potential sexual activity. The operation, which took place in July, was led by Kelantan state police chief Mohd Yusof Mamat, who stated that while no sexual activity was observed and all attendees were fully clothed, the presence of sexual health items suggested the possibility of planned sexual conduct later in the evening .

According to police statements, a total of more than twenty men were initially detained, but only three were ultimately charged. These charges were related not to the gathering itself, but to the possession of pornographic material found on their mobile phones. The remaining individuals were released as authorities could not find sufficient evidence to pursue further charges .

Malaysia’s legal and political framework criminalizes same-sex relations and often targets LGBTQ+ people under broader morality or public decency laws. In recent years, authorities have intensified crackdowns on gatherings perceived to involve LGBTQ+ individuals, with raids often justified on grounds of “immoral activity” or concerns over public health and disease transmission .

Kelantan police chief Mohd Yusof Mamat publicly expressed concern about the “movements of homosexual groups,” pledging continued surveillance and intervention. He called on the public to report information about such gatherings, which are often organized discreetly through social media and messaging apps due to widespread fear of discrimination and arrest .

The seizure of condoms and HIV medication during the raid has raised alarm among health advocates, who warn that treating sexual health supplies as evidence of criminal intent undermines public health efforts. Several party attendees were reportedly HIV positive and undergoing treatment, but police statements described this as “preventive” rather than as part of legitimate healthcare .

International health organizations and LGBTQ+ rights groups have long emphasized that criminalizing the possession of condoms or HIV medication discourages safe practices, increases the risk of HIV transmission, and creates barriers for those seeking healthcare. The World Health Organization, UNAIDS, and Human Rights Campaign have all documented the negative consequences of such law enforcement tactics on both individual and public health .

This incident is not isolated. In June, similar raids in Kelantan’s capital, Kota Bharu, resulted in the detention of twenty individuals, reflecting a pattern of police action against LGBTQ+ people in Malaysia . Over the past decade, the Malaysian government has sponsored anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns, implemented media bans on queer representation, and imposed correctional measures targeting LGBTQ+ youth .

Malaysia’s actions have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations for violating the rights to privacy, freedom of association, and access to health care. The Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both called for the decriminalization of same-sex relations and the protection of LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and police harassment .

The LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia continues to face significant risks, balancing the need for community and support with the reality of criminalization and social stigma. Advocacy groups inside the country, as well as global organizations, have expressed solidarity with those affected by the recent raids, calling for reforms to ensure the safety, dignity, and health of all Malaysians, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity .

As the country’s authorities maintain their stance on monitoring and intervening in LGBTQ+ gatherings, activists underscore the need for inclusive policies that protect, rather than endanger, the well-being of marginalized communities.