Health Ministry advised using the term gay instead of MSM
SHAH ALAM - The Health Ministry (MOH) is advised to use the term gay or homosexual instead of the term men who have sex with men (MSM) to give a clearer understanding in the aspect of educating the public.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor of Medicine Professor Dr Rafidah Hanim Mokhtar said at the moment, the term MSM was used in the research of professionals and the language should be easier to use for the community.
"One of the things that I sometimes disagree with MOH is the use of MSM terms.
“Although I am a researcher myself, I understand that we use these terms in research because we are both professionals.
"But when we bring it to the community, we have to use terms that the community understands (which are) gays, homosexuals... There are gay clubs, there are homo clubs... but we don't find MSM clubs in the community," she said.
Dr Rafidah was a panellist on the ‘Di Sebalik Isu Bersama FY’ programme conducted by Finaz Yunus broadcasted live on Sinar Harian's digital platform, on Friday.
The programme, which discussed the topic titled HIV, Gay & Malay also featured Family Physician Dr Sakinah Sulong as a panellist and a gay HIV patient known as Hakim Azman as a special guest.
She added that in the United States (US), they presented data using the terms bisexual, gay, transgender and homosexual.
"It is very clear. Science data goes to society and society clearly.
"This is why I am asking the Health Ministry to come closer to our society with a language that everyone can understand," she said.
