STARTING next year Muslims planning to get married must undergo HIV tests.

Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz said all state religious authorities agreed to implement and enforce the ruling in a meeting in July.

However, Wan Mohamad said those found to have been infected with the AIDS would still be allowed to continue with the marriage if both partners wanted to go ahead.

"The couples will not be stopped if they want to go through it. In fact, state religious authorities will play their role in assisting such couples by giving them counselling and advice on preventive measures, and on how to prepare themselves physically and mentally.

"The HIV test will be offered to Muslims free of charge," he told Berita Harian.

The daily also reported that Rela officers would be roped in to monitor activities at all 67 Puspakom branches nationwide after an earlier operation received positive feedback from the public.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Salamat Wahit said the idea would be implemented after the festive season and that Rela personnel currently stationed at five Puspakom branches were helpful.

"We think this is a good idea as an immediate measure to deter touts at Puspakom," he said.