Photo: Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: Programmes to create better awareness of HIV/AIDS, particularly among the young, will be introduced, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this was necessary as records showed that 74% of those infected were between 20 and 39 years old.
“We must empower our community, particularly among the young with HIV/AIDS. They must be given information and knowledge about the disease, on how it can be prevented and other issues involving it,” he said after chairing the National Social Council meeting on Thursday (Feb 8).
Ahmad Zahid said the meeting was also presented with several proposals to improve programmes and initiatives on prevention, control and treatment of HIV/AIDS, including setting up of shelter homes.
“These homes will provide aftercare for persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially those who have no support and have been shunned by their families,” he added.
The meeting also agreed that efforts be made to boost employment and education opportunities for persons living with HIV/AIDS, he added.
“We will seek cooperation from the authorities to monitor websites that spread pornography and social application networks that can lead to HIV-risk activities,” said Ahmad Zahid.
The meeting also decided that reproductive and social health education (PEERS) would be further improved and be made mandatory at religious schools or Sekolah Agama Rakyat.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the meeting also discussed the issue of secondary school dropouts and identified lack of interest, having to work to help the family, and poverty as reasons why these students were no longer in school.
In 2023, 14,506 students were dropouts.
“To resolve this, we have identified several measures, including educating and counselling parents on the importance of their children continuing to pursue their education.
“We also want to instil the importance of students being given education until at least they obtain their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that periodic checks would also be made on employers who hire workers who are still schooling to ensure they adhere to the stipulated conditions and work hours.
