Pubdate: Sun, 09 Jan 2005
Source: Malay Mail (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 The New Straits Times Press
Contact:  http://www.mmail.com.my/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3834
Author: Sharmila Billot
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Malaysia

MORE ENFORCEMENT NEEDED

The authorities have been urged to step up enforcement against drug
pushers and addicts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.

This call came from National HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign Roadshow
adviser Datuk Liow Tiong Lai yesterday.

He said statistics revealed that most people infected with HIV/AIDS
are drug addicts.

He said: "Although Malaysia has strict laws against drug trafficking,
drugs are still easily accessible. More stringent action is needed to
fight the drug menace."

Liow was speaking at the launch of the National HIV/AIDS Awareness
Campaign Roadshow event in Petaling Street. It was organised by the
Young Malaysian Movement (YMM).

Also present were Bukit Bintang MCA chairman Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng,
YMM president Ng Chin Long and ING Insurance vice-president Rien Hermans.

Liow urged non-governmental organisations and the public to step up
efforts in helping the Government's anti-drug campaign.

He said recent findings by the YMM revealed that Malaysia is ranked
fifth amongst Asia-Pacific countries behind China, Vietnam, Cambodia
and Thailand in AIDS infection growth.

The YMM campaign began last December and the roadshow will be visiting
20 towns and cities until May.

The campaign aims to educate the public about AIDS, how the disease is
spread, and how Malaysians can assist people with HIV/AIDS.

All visitors to the roadshow receive an information kit and a
complimentary packet of condoms sponsored by ING Insurance and
Nulatex, respectively. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom