Malaysia: blood donors knowingly spread HIV

Meanwhile, Muslims who wish to marry will have to undergo HIV tests before tying the knot as part of measures to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, which officials estimate could affect 300,000 Malaysians by 2015, said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Photo: Malaysia: blood donors knowingly spread HIV

Malaysia: blood donors knowingly spread HIV

At least seven blood donors last year were found to be HIV carriers, Najib said.

He said laws would be amended to imprison and fine HIV-infected offenders, but did not elaborate on when the move will be taken or the possible length of the sentences, the AP reports.

Najib didn't comment on the possibility of penalties for other cases where AIDS is spread on purpose, such as sexual intercourse and needle sharing.

He said the government also wants all states to have mandatory HIV testing for Muslims planning to wed - a requirement now imposed in seven of this mostly Muslim country's 13 states, according to the AP.