Health Ministry denies genital checks on students to fight STDs among LGBT group

IPOH - The Health Ministry has refuted claims circulating on social media on male students genital checks at higher education institutions in Perak.

In a statement on Twitter, the ministry clarified that the circular notice bearing its letterhead and the signature of the director of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Division of the Perak branch was fabricated.

"For information, the Health Ministry (MoH) does not have a branch of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Division.

"MoH has also never issued any such letter as spread by the irresponsible individual," he said.

The public is advised not to believe or spread information that is not verified or valid as it could confuse the public.

"We advise all parties to be careful in disseminating information and always ensure its truth before publicising it," he said.

On Thursday, a viral claim on social media stated that the Health Ministry would be conducting genital checks involving students at public and private higher education institutions.

In the notice, the inspection is said to eradicate sexually transmitted diseases due to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) that has hit the country.