SEX WORK AND THE LAW - HIV/AIDS Data Hub

Several workers in all groups raised the issue of stigma health care settings, describing
a lack of specialised sexual reproductive health services for female sex workers... 465
Sex workers clearly believe that criminal law as well as stigmatisation by society creates
an environment in which exploitation and abuse are possible and HIV prevention
such as condom promotion and HIV testing are limited.
The possibility of detention and accusations of prostitution by law enforcement
personnel for the possession of more than three condoms at any one time during
raids clearly deters female and transgender sex workers from having them easily
available.
Additionally HIV education and other prevention such as condoms and STI services are
far less likely to be effective in an environment that isn’t conducive to safe practices.
The confiscation and use of condoms as evidence is not denied by police… 466
Sex workers in this research expressed great fear, and in many cases resentment, of
Shariah law and the police that enforce it. The reasons for this...included the harshness
and arbitrary nature of the penalties and the moralistic lecturing and haranguing that
accompanies them, which was reinforced by NGO interviewees.
Several also mentioned being particularly offended by the hypocrisy of the same
enforcers using their services or sexually harassing them. Indonesian migrant sex
workers and transgender in particular complained about religious police. It seems
fair to say that the moral and religious dimension of the actions of Islamic police take
an extra psychological toll on sex workers. 467
6.5.3 Efforts to improve the legal environment
A dedicated centre for sex workers, the ‘SW Centre’, has been established in Chow Kit,
Kuala Lumpur, providing HIV prevention education, a drop-in centre, community outreach
and legal services for sex workers. The SW Centre is run by the PT Foundation (formerly
known as Pink Triangle) and supported by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community
Development and the Malaysian Aids Council. 468 The Legal Clinic operated by the Bar
Council (in cooperation with PT Foundation and the Malaysian AIDS Council) provides
legal advice and representation to sex workers who have experienced legal problems
such as police abuses, and conducts legal rights awareness activities for sex workers.
465 Ibid., p.26.
466 Ibid., p.27.
467 Ibid., p.29.
468 Leong J. (2011) Legal Awareness Week - Report on Sex Workers Dialogue in Collaboration with Pink Triangle
and KL Legal Aid Centre. Kuala Lumpur Legal Aid Centre.
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