HIV/AIDS in Malaysia

Since the second half of the '90s there has no significant increase in HIV prevalence been reported in Malaysia. According to the lates UNAIDS statistsics 45,000 people in Malaysia have HIV/AIDS (2002). Of these, approximately 15% have indeed acquired AIDS. The majority of HIV infected people (appr. 80%) is between 20-39 years old, thus being in their most productive working age.

75% Of the transmissions are being reported among injecting drug users (IDUs). Heterosexual transmission comprises the second largest risk factor, namely 10%. High prevalence rates are also to be found among men who have sex with men (MSM), with infection levels up to 10% in several states.

Almost 20% of those infected are unemployed. Several occupational positions add up to another 20% (60% is unknown). A list of occupations with the highest prevalence rates: factory workers (7%), fishermen (6%), long distance drivers (3%), 'housewives' (2%), private sector staff (1%), sex workers (1%) and 'uniformed bodies' (1%).

Code of Practice on Prevention and Management of HIV/AIDS in the Workplace

Malaysia was the first country in Southeast Asia whose government initiated a Code of Practice on Prevention and Management of HIV/AIDS in the Workplace (2001). The Code of Practice can be downloaded here.

Malaysia: Code of Practice