Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the government was studying how sex education could be better incorporated into the education system. — Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — Putrajaya is studying how to better incorporate sex education into schools, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

“I personally agree that the education system should move forward for a more open and well-informed sex education in schools.

“So give us some time, we are working on it,” he said at a press conference after the launch of Durex Malaysia’s #TalkNowProtectAlways Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Campaign.

Chong also said it was vital that parents and teachers do not avoid the topic of sex as taboo, adding that the current generation of youths were more aware of the subject.

Sex education is currently in the form of the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) programme introduced in 1989, he said.

It is not a standalone subject, but incorporated into others such as Moral and Islamic studies, science, and biology; its focus is on abstinence.

Chong acknowledged the sensitivities involved in teaching sex education, but gave his assurance that it will not be abandoned.

The #TalkNowProtectAlways Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Campaign by Durex aims to provide youths and parents with factual information and the methods to begin conversations on sex.

“We are aware that talking about sexual and reproductive health can be challenging for most of us... Such conversations are important as it will empower one the right knowledge to make responsible, positive decisions that will keep them protected,” Reckitt Benckiser marketing director Tiffany Tang said.

The campaign includes distributing the Sexual and Reproductive Health Guide via digital media and workshops conducted in selected schools and higher learning institutions in Klang Valley.

“The guide contains information on reproductive organs, dealing with puberty, rights and consent, information on pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” Tang said.

The campaign is collaboration between Durex Malaysia, Muslim non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram), and the Federal Territories Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).