DARO,SARAWAK,MALAYSIA: Wednesday;
This group are usually tolerated over here. As long as they did not hurt or annoy other people, they are left alone. Besides being colourful their population transcend the borders of religion and race. Like everywhere else, they flock among themselves.
Lately there are several attempts to reduce their number. The Deparment on Islamic Affairs have responded to sniggerings and complaints from certain sectors of the soceity.
JAIS or The Deparment on Islamic Affairs of Sarawak, have set up various classes and seminars on how to deal with the urge to cross-dress. Moreover, there are rumours that these group especially those in the city of Kuching resorted to soliciting for sex.
This is the danger sign that forced this particular department to rein in those who are born and bred as a muslim. According to these officers, cross-dressing and adopting the behaviour of the opposite sex is a no-no. During such seminars as mentioned above, these transvestites are given counselling on ways and means to act according to one’s physical attributes.
What make matters more urgent for the Officers from [JAIS] Islamic Affairs are report from the various health centres that the increase in the number if people infected with HIV are attributed to this particular group.
When asked why only the muslim are given counselling, the religious officers confirmed that they are not empowered to give counselling to the non-muslim transvestites.