Malaysia’s state-run Bernama News reported last week that “avoiding masturbation and homosexual activities are among preventive measures one could take against Influenza A (H1N1).”
"Whether you believe (the article) or not, it's up to you," says Health Ministry Director General Tan Sri Ismail Merican (above) on whether avoiding masturbation and homosexual activities are preventive measures one could take Against H1N1.
The report quoted “an eminent practitioner of complimentary therapy” Dr. V. M. Palaniappan, the author of several books including 'Ecological Healing System'. Dr Palaniappan is reportedly a former associate professor of ecology at Universiti Malaya and is not a medical doctor.
Quoting Dr Palaniappan, the news report goes on to explain that masturbation and homosexual activities causes the body to “develop friction heat which in turn, produced acid and made the body hyperacidised.”
"Thus, the body becomes an easy target for H1N1 infection," he told Bernama, emphasising however, that normal sexual union between members of the opposite sex was absolutely safe.
He also recommends the consumption of alkaline food and drinks such as coconut water that could neutralise excess acid in the body and could be used as an herbal medicine for the prevention of H1N1.
The report did not contain any other information about the H1N1 virus or other precautions to minimise the risks of contracting the virus.
Several days later, when asked to comment about the accuracy of the report in Bernama News, Health Ministry Director General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican reportedly refused to comment on the article.
Ismail told the reporter from The Sun: “That is an article. If you read an article and you digest it, whether you believe it or not, it’s up to you. There was no mention of the ministry of health. I wouldn’t want to comment on that article. Pandai-pandailah (use your discretion)."