Nik Abduh blames Thailand for alarming rates of HIV infections in Kelantan

Alarming rate of HIV and AIDS infections in Kelantan is due to proximity as the PAS-led state is location at the border with Thailand which makes it easier for drug smuggling and prostitution, said PAS Committee member, Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abd Aziz.

He said this during a forum discussing the state’s power and personal freedom held in Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday.

According to the Pasir Mas MP, Kelantan differs from other states - bordering Thailand such as Kedah, Kedah, Perlis and Perak for it is easier to access Golok from Thailand.

"Looking at the states bordering Thailand, which town in (Kelantan) is notorious for prostitution?” questions Nik Abduh as he stressed that this matter is a huge challenge faced by Kelantan.

Apart from bringing the matter to the Parliament, Kelantan has also requested Putrajaya to assist in handling the issue.

“If there are those who are unhappy, please help Kelantan. It is wrong to say that Kelantan has no idea. We have tried our best to provide awareness to the people in Kelantan as part of our efforts to curb AIDS,” he said.

Based on a report by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Kelantan records the second highest number of HIV cases among other states in the country after Selangor.

MAF secretary-General, Hisham Hussein said, 207 new cases have been reported in Kelantan out of the total 3,393 cases nationwide.