KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (AFP) - Plans by a state in predominantly Muslim Malaysia to restrict the sale of condoms in a bid to curb promiscuous behaviour have come under fire, a report said Sunday.
The state government in central Selangor earlier this week said it was considering a proposal by its youth council to confine the sale of condoms following calls by an Islamic group upset that condoms were easily available in supermarkets, convenience stores and even newsstands, the Sunday Star said.
The Selangor Fatwa Committee, which issues religious decrees to Muslims, had suggested that condoms be sold only to those infected with the AIDS virus and married couples who could produce doctors' letters.
But the proposal has sparked strong criticism from health activists, non-governmental organisations and even a government minister.
"If you restrict the sale of condoms, it will not stop some teenagers from purchasing them through other means, just like pirated VCDs," Women and Family Development Minister Shahrizat Jalil was quoted as saying.
"What's more important is education so that youngsters have a better understanding about the importance of upholding their dignity, relationships and what is morally right and wrong."
On the argument by Islamic groups that selling condoms to unmarried people was against Islam, she said: "Let's not bring religion into this. Safety of the people is more important."
The Malaysian AIDS Council has said if Selangor state approved the move it would hinder efforts to prevent the spread of the HIV virus and AIDS. The women's group Tenaganita said the idea was ridiculous and would encourage Malaysians to have unsafe sex.
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