Malaysia: government stops funding organisation for trans women
The Malaysian government has abruptly stopped funding an organisation that provides support for trans women, sex workers and people with HIV.
Pusat Bantuan Khidmat Sosial has entierly relied on government funding for the last seven years, but was informed that this would no longer continue. The government gave no reason for their decision.
Senior manager Mitch Yusmar Yusof said to Malay Mail Online “What will happen to the community?”
The organisation provides skills courses for trans women and sex workers, as well as information on HIV, mental health and drug and alcohol addiction.
In November, the Court of Appeal ruled than an Islamic law that banned “cross-dressing” was discriminating against trans people.
The Deputy Prime Minister has called for a review of the ruling. He said: “It is an extraordinary decision.”
