Media Quote
12 December 2025
Responding to charges against eight men for offences including committing “acts of gross indecency with another person,” Rachel Chhoa-Howard, Regional Researcher at Amnesty International said:
“Charges for engaging in consensual relations are deeply discriminatory and an appalling violation of the right to privacy. They must be dropped immediately and unconditionally.”
“Laws against consensual, same-sex relations including Section 377 of the Penal Code must be repealed. Government agencies and police must end harassment and attacks against people who engage in consensual, same sex relations and LGBTI people in Malaysia more broadly,” said Rachel Chhoa-Howard.
“All people should be protected from arrest, violence, and acts of discrimination based on their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Everyone has the right to privacy, including against intrusive surveillance and public disclosure of their health status, sexual orientation or gender identity. All investigations against other men arrested in the 29 November raid, for the same offences must end,” said Rachel Chhoa-Howard.
Background
On 5 December, eight men were reportedly charged with various offences following a raid at a health and wellness facility in Perai, Penang on 29 November that police alleged was being used as a venue for same-sex sexual activities. They were among the 13 individuals arrested during the said raid.
Of the eight, four were charged for allegedly committing “acts of gross indecency” under Section 377D of the Penal Code which carries a sentence of imprisonment for up to 20 years, and whipping, upon conviction. Three were charged for possessing obscene materials on their mobile phones, under Section 292(a) of the Penal Code. They pleaded not guilty and were released on bail while awaiting trial. Three others pleaded guilty to possessing obscene materials and were fined RM 5,000 (USD 1,214) each.