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KELANTAN police have defended their raid on a gathering last month at a bungalow in Kota Bharu, stating that the operation was based on verified intelligence and carried out without discriminatory intent.
Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, Kelantan Police Chief, explained that at the time of the raid, there were no organisers from any non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or personnel from the Ministry of Health (MOH) present at the premises. He added there was no evidence to suggest the event had been approved or monitored by any authorised body.
“Kelantan PDRM received information that a gathering and gay party would be held in Kota Bharu. Based on intelligence and public interviews conducted by the Kelantan PDRM Task Force, the invitation was shared via WhatsApp in specific groups,” he said.
He added that the event invitation was titled “Program Gathering Komuniti Majlis Malam Mesra Komuniti & Santai-Santai”, with activities described as “Chil-chil membawang dan makan-makan”.
Mohd Yusoff clarified that police surveillance at the residence began at 5pm on the day in question, with an estimated 100 guests arriving by 8pm. By around 11pm, most had left, and the operation was executed at approximately 1am to “ensure public safety and avoid disruption”.
“During the raid, police found 20 men at the premises, all of whom identified themselves as part of the gay community. Police also discovered hundreds of condoms and several boxes of HIV medication in a room within the bungalow,” he stated.
He added that 18 of the individuals were from Kelantan, with the remaining two from Perak and Terengganu. Mobile phone checks revealed that three had in their possession pornographic videos depicting same-sex acts.
“Some admitted to having engaged in homosexual activity. The three individuals found with the explicit material have been charged under Section 292 of the Penal Code and have pleaded guilty,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff stressed that the primary aim of the police was “to maintain public order and uphold moral values”.
He added, “The police hope this clarification dispels any confusion and speculation. The public is advised not to circulate unverified information and to continue cooperating with the authorities in the interest of social harmony in the state.”
This comes a day after the Ministry of Health confirmed, via a statement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on his official X account, that the gathering was in fact a health awareness programme focused on HIV.
However, the ministry did not comment on the specifics of the police operation. - July 23, 2025