Malaysia says no to sex education

Sex Education is unnecessary in Malaysian schools and will not be introduced as a specific subject, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Puad Zarkashi said at present, elements of sex education in schools are already incorporated in a subject known as social and reproductive health studies.

The subject was introduced in secondary schools in 1989 and in primary schools in 1994.

"Social and reproductive health studies is taught under health education and encompasses curricula of a wide variety of subjects such as biology, science, additional science, moral studies and religious education," he said.

"As such, there is no need for a specific subject called sex education," he added.

This decision appears to close the discussion on sex education in Malaysia, an issue which has received support from some ministries and organisations.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry for instance held a seminar recently for students on social and reproductive health in anticipation of sex education being introduced as a formal subject.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil has expressed concern on the matter in light of a recent spate of abandoned babies.

The National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) has also come on record to support the proposal for sex education in schools, although secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng voiced some reservations.

She said teachers are not confident in teaching sex education as they have acknowledged the lack of formal training in the complexity and sensitivity of the subject.

In his reply to questions by Senators Doris Sophia Brodi, Datuk Daljit Singh Dalliwal, Datuk Zainun Mat and Dr M. Malasingam, Puad said social and reproductive health studies teachers have attended courses held by experienced trainers.

"These courses are designed to expose the teachers to the proper approach which should be adopted in teaching the subject.

"Our present syllabus also includes modules on the importance of making the right decisions where sex is concerned," he said.

Replying to Brodi's supplementary question, he said parents should also play their role in discussing sex education with their children and advising them accordingly.

"This will lessen the sensitivity factor related to sexual activities.

"Parents cannot leave the issue of sex for teachers to handle, they must also speak to their children about it.