PETALING JAYA – Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri has called for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to sex education, stressing that the subject must no longer be treated as taboo in schools or at home.
Speaking at a statehood seminar in Lundu, Sarawak, Nancy said that effective sex education must involve collaboration among schools, parents, and multiple government agencies.
“Sex education is included in the school curriculum, but its content remains limited and is often under-emphasised,” she told reporters, according to Bernama. “This is a shortcoming we must address immediately.”
Nancy noted that teachers often avoid discussing sex education due to discomfort or cultural sensitivities, a barrier that needs to be overcome to protect children in an increasingly digital world.
“It should be recognised as a crucial element in shaping values and protecting children and adolescents, particularly in today’s digital era,” she added.
She emphasised that sex education is not the sole responsibility of her ministry and urged an integrated approach that also empowers parents to play a more active role in educating their children on personal safety and moral values.
To support this, her ministry will work to ensure that parenting programmes include elements of sex education, helping parents communicate more openly and safely with their children about the topic.
Her comments come amid growing concern from child rights activists who say that outdated taboos and societal discomfort continue to hinder meaningful conversations about sex education, leaving young people vulnerable to abuse, misinformation, and peer pressure.
Just last week, Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat raised the alarm over rising underage sex cases in the state, with reports of girls as young as 10 and boys as young as 11 engaging in sexual activity. Nancy said her ministry is actively exploring the most effective and comprehensive solutions to address the issue head-on, with child safety and well-being at the forefront.