Sex education in schools still under discussion

The Education Ministry is in the process of discussing at ministerial-level, a plan to implement a sex education curriculum in schools.

Deputy Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching said various aspects would be discussed and studied to establish a suitable curriculum.

"This involves textbook writing and whether it will be taught as one separate subject or be incorporated into several existing subjects," she told reporters after meeting with 93 National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL) participants here Friday.

She said, to date there was no proper syllabus or module for sex education in schools.

Previously, Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim had said that from next year, sex education would be imparted to teenagers aged 16 and above.

Rohani was reported to have said that the module targeted male teenagers to help them understand reproductive and sexual health, and could curb social problems which affected the family structure.

On Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda's call on the government to defer tabling in the Cabinet the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015-2025, stating the plan was focused only on academic staff, Yap declined comment.

She said the ministry was currently holding dialogue sessions with stakeholders, including the public, to offer ideas or suggestions to be included in the blueprint.