Teenagers Inevitable And On A Rise in Malaysia

As the government tries hard to instill a fear of STDs, unwanted pregnancies and understanding basic moral values to mould responsible and honorable young adults, it seems it's not enough to educate teens about sex.

It's undeniable that teens are more open to sex and aren't afraid of sharing that notion with their peers.

Shelter Home executive, James Nayagam says:

“Young people now are more open, they are not shy about sex any more – many have multiple partners and they think it is okay – so we have to accept that fact first before we can find ways to deal with the growing phenomenon and its ensuing problems,” he says.He tells of a report he received some time ago.

“Some Form One students (13-year-olds) at a secondary school in PJ had a competition to find out who has had the most sexual partners. You know how many partners the winner apparently had? Thirty! And she’s only 13.”

He stresses that many are still ignorant of the facts or have various misconceptions passed on by their friends.Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Women, Family and Community Development Minister feels that sex education is a much needed module as a shocking number of young adults aged from 13 - 24 did not know in detail the functions of reproductive organs.“Teenagers lack information and access to birth control methods. Many teenagers are also not taught about ways to deal with peer pressure and how to say ‘no’ to sex before they are ready,” she said at a recent press conference.

Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia (RRAAM) co-chair Rashidah Abdullah says:

“We need to think of how we can balance young people’s needs and the society’s sensitivities. We need to look at it as a health issue and highlight the rights and choices they have rather than prescribing moral solutions. Most of all, we need to show the young people compassion.”