Examining the policy of mandatory premarital HIV screening programme for Muslims in Malaysia

Saidon, Rafeah and Kamaruddin, Zaleha and Arifin, Mahamad and Ibrahim, Norliah and Sahari, Noorul Huda (2015) Examining the policy of mandatory premarital HIV screening programme for Muslims in Malaysia. Pertanika Journal of Social Science & Humanities, 23 (S). pp. 129-140. ISSN 0128-7702

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Abstract

One of the procedures introduced by the Government of Malaysia for Muslims before the solemnisation of their marriage is mandatory premarital HIV screening. The purpose of this procedure is to have an early detection of HIV infection which could reduce the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases to the offspring. This paper examines such a policy and reveals significant loopholes in the policy and its implementation. There are two types of methods employed in this study: library research and field research. Library research is used to examine the existing policy and its related issues such as social and medical issues. The finding is supported by field research in which semi-structured interviews were carried out with several respondents from the related institutions. The findings of the research revealed significant weaknesses in the current policy from both procedural and administrative aspects. These include a general lack of coordination in governing the screening programme, the absence of standard procedures in its implementation and the absence of guideline in maintaining confidentiality, among others.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	297/51199
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mandatory, premarital, HIV Screening, weaknesses
Subjects:	K Law > KBP Islamic Law K Law > KPG Malaysia R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws > Department of Islamic Law
Depositing User:	Dr. Mahamad Arifin
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2016 15:39
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2016 15:39
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/51199

Available Versions of this Item

• Examining the policy of mandatory premarital HIV screening programme for Muslims in Malaysia. (deposited 29 Jul 2016 15:39) [Currently Displayed]
  • الشيخ والشاه: مقارنة اولية في الارث الفكري عند بن عبد الوهاب وولي الله الدهلوي = The Sheikh and Shah: preliminary comparison of the intellectual legacy of Muhammad = Sheikh dan Shah: perbandingan warisan intelektual Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab dan Wali Allah Dehlawi ibn ‘Abd Al-Wahhab and Wali Allah Dehlawi. (deposited 22 Jul 2016 09:07)

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