IPOH, MALAYSIA - COUPLES should be tested for HIV at least twice and not just once in the six months before they get married, Malaysian Red Crescent Society vice-chairman Datuk Dr Bahari Abu Mansor said.

Dr Bahari, who is also chairman of the MRCS blood programme, HIV-Aids and Health Community Care committee, said there was no guarantee that a person would remain HIV-free just after undergoing one test.

He said that this was because of the three to six months' window for the virus to be detected through blood tests.

'Technically, there should be two tests carried out in between the six months before couples tie the knot,' he said after opening an HIV/Aids seminar and exhibition organised by the Perak MRCS on Sunday.

Dr Bahari also said that unless couples remained monogamous, there were no guarantees that they would be free from contracting HIV in the future.

'Couples should still go for regular blood tests unless you know that your spouse is completely faithful,' said the general practitioner.

Dr Bahari added that the MRCS did not have an official stand with regards to the Government's move to make it compulsory next year for all Muslim couples intending to get married to undergo HIV testing.

'It is a very controversial area but being auxiliary to the Government, we would have to support its move in promoting health safety.

'However, we also have to be aware of our affiliation to the Malaysian AIDS Council and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which are in support of human rights,' he said.

MRCS, he noted, came under the purview of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. -- THE STAR