LETTER: Sex education will mould healthier, safer and more empowered individuals and communities.
Imagine a world in which everyone understands their body, respects their limits and approaches relationships with confidence and compassion.
Since many parents and educators are still reluctant to bring up this subject, young people turn to social media in search of information where some details are presented negatively.
Some people even ask questions about this subject on social media platform X. They hide their identities by using either a anonymous account or through apps.
Questions about safe abortions and avoiding unplanned pregnancies are some of the most common ones.
Tthe Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM) found that around 90,000 abortions were done annually in Malaysia.
Similarly, the Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia estimates that there are around 240 facilities countrywide offering abortion services.
Women, in particular, face difficulty in getting assistance on sexual health issues owing to pressure to conform to patriarchal expectations of purity and abstinence.
Students need comprehensive sex education on safe practices, contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted illnesses.
A recent survey by the Health Ministry found an increase in sexually transmitted infection diagnoses among young people, highlighting the need for improved educational materials.
At the end of 2022, 86,142 people in Malaysia were HIV carriers, with 69,589 (81 per cent) of them being aware of their status and informed through the national system.
We should support sex education as it focuses on understanding consent and good communication, critical for developing healthy, respectful relationships and preventing harmful behaviour.
Open dialogue and accurate information encourage young people to seek help and support when needed, which can improve their overall wellbeing.
Maybe each university can arrange a session on sex education to allow students to better understand sex and its implications.
There is also a strong correlation between mental health and sexual education, which suggests that teachings on self-esteem, body image and coping with emotions should be part of the curriculum.
These will help young people build a positive self-image and the emotional resilience to face life's obstacles.
MIA SYAFI
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times