Knowledge on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among Malaysian adolescents remains low and they remain ignorant on the many aspects of sex and pregnancy.

A survey conducted by Perspective Strategies Sdn Bhd on 1,071 respondents between the ages of 18-29, from different races and throughout the country, noted that greater number of female respondents lacked sufficient knowledge of their bodily functions to make responsible choices.

Thus it is not shocking that a respondent said some of her friends were not aware that they could get pregnant by having sex and 71 percent of the female respondents have no knowledge that they could get pregnant during their periods.

The study also revealed that 10 percent of the respondents would rather not get tested and treated on the possibility of being exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), for the fear of being ostracised, believing it was ‘shameful’.

The survey supported by Durex Malaysia, a leading brand name in condoms produced by Reckitt Benckiser’s, provided valuable data to facilitate greater discussions among stakeholders to develop and improve intervention programmes.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Chew Mei Fun who was present at the unveiling of the outcome of the study said the issue of SRH could no longer be cast aside and should be widely discussed as such were affecting adolescents in the country.

Ignoramus Malaysians?

“Many young people are oblivious to SRH related issues based on the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN)'s own study, for instance only 39.5 percent has knowledge on how a baby is born and 45.5 percent know what is a womb.

“LPPKN’s findings revealed that 4.8 percent of Malaysians between the ages of 13-24 had sexual intercourse while more than one third (35.3 percent) are exposed to pornography mainly through the Internet (60.8 percent),” she said.

While the subject of sexual and reproductive health is still a taboo, there is no denying that adolescents sometimes even as young as 10 are having sex and thus parents have to play a vital role in educating their children on sexual health.

With this being a priority, Chew during her speech said that LPPKN introduced a program called Parenting@Work that would look into parenting as the core, with greater focus on supporting families as a whole rather than focusing primarily on adolescents.

“Parents play an important role therefore through this programme, we are educating parents on ways to talk to their children about their sexuality,” added Chew.

Malaysians and their sexual myths

Meanwhile, the survey by Perspective Strategies also showed that another 35 percent did not believe that a woman would get pregnant during her first engagement in sex and one out of 10 said that washing a female’s vagina after sex can help prevent pregnancy.

The survey also revealed that 11 percent of sexually active young Malaysians have had an STI in their lifetime. It was learnt that almost a quarter of them (24 percent) did not seek treatment.

It was also noted that 19 percent of young Malaysians thought using two condoms at the same time offers better protection.

Speaking at the launch, Perspective Strategies managing director Andy See said in actual fact using two condoms during sexual activity can cause the condom to break due to friction which could lead to greater risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

“Another 25 percent opined that protection is not required when there is mutual trust between partners. However, there is a need to educate people that in any sexual activity, it is not an issue of trust but about being safe,” he said.

- Bernama