KOTA BHARU — Kelantan police defended their controversial June raid on an HIV health outreach event, which they earlier labelled a “gay sex party,” saying they acted on public complaints and aimed to uphold public order.

Police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said intelligence work preceded the 1.15am raid, where 20 people were found. He insisted the operation was conducted “in everyone’s best interests” and denied any political motives or intent to discredit the state government.

The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC), which ran the outreach in partnership with the Health Ministry, clarified it was part of a recognised HIV prevention programme for key populations.

Civil society groups criticised the raid and urged police to correct their statement, saying the misinformation fuelled stigma and fear among LGBTQ individuals seeking healthcare.