SHAH ALAM - Recent cases of sexual activities among children in Malaysia have once again brought the spotlight on sex education and more importantly, on the many misconceptions surrounding it.
Child rights activist and Yayasan Chow Kit co-founder Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin said these misunderstandings were not only dangerous but also put children at serious risk.
"Sex education is misunderstood. It’s not about encouraging sex, but about teaching," she said.
She acknowledged that the term "sex education" often raised eyebrows, but emphasised that it went far beyond just the topic of sex.
She explained that it was fundamentally about helping children understand body safety, consent and boundaries, puberty and physical changes, as well as their rights and protection from harm.
"When we destigmatise it, we actually help protect children from abuse and exploitation.
"And it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. What you teach a seven-year-old is very different from what you teach a 16-year-old. Age-appropriate content is key," she said when contacted.
She said without proper education, children often turned to the internet, social media, or their peers for answers as well as sources that can easily spread harmful or wrong information.
Busting common myths about sex education
Hartini highlighted three main misconceptions that Malaysians often have about sex education:
Misconception 1: It promotes promiscuity or immoral behaviour
Reality: Evidence shows that comprehensive sex education actually delays sexual activity and reduces risky behaviour. Teaching children about their bodies does not make them act out, it prepares them to make informed and safe choices.
Misconception 2: It's too early to teach children about such matters
Reality: Education can start early without being graphic. Simple lessons like "my body, my rules" or learning the difference between good and bad touch are foundational. These basic lessons help young children understand personal boundaries and body autonomy.
Misconception 3: It goes against cultural or religious norms
Reality: Many Islamic scholars and global religious leaders support values-based sex education that promotes dignity, health and safety. In fact, proper education can be in line with cultural and religious values when done right.
A call for change
Hartini said lack of sex education does not protect children’s innocence but instead, it leaves them uninformed and unprotected.
As cases of child exploitation and abuse continued to rise, she said it was time to rethink how sex education is viewed.
"It's not a taboo. It’s a tool, a necessary one to empower and protect our children.
"We’re not teaching children how to have sex. We’re teaching them how to stay safe, understand their bodies and respect others," she added.
Recently, it was reported that Kelantan has seen a worrying surge in sexual offences, particularly involving underage girls, some as young as 10 years old.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said this was based on data collected since last year.
In a media briefing, he revealed that 65 cases of sexual offences, mostly involving rape and incest, were reported in the first three months of this year alone which was more than a 17 per cent increase compared to the 45 cases during the same period last year.