Teaching kids about birds and bees
THE right time to educate children on reproductive and social health education is between the ages of four and six.
The subject known as Pendidikan Kesihatan Reproduktif dan Sosial (Peers) has been reinforced in line with the objectives of preschool education, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid
“As of May 31, there were 200,684 children who attend formal education in preschools across the country, according to the database applications (Aplikasi Pangkalan Data Murid) for pupils.
“At this age, children must be exposed to what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate touching, dangerous illnesses and general hygiene.
“They must be taught, so that if they are victims of inappropriate touching, they will immediately inform their parents or guardians,” the minister said at the launch of the Peers Sehari@Prasekolah at SK Putrajaya Presint 17 (1) on Monday..
Mahdzir said what is taught at an early age will be absorbed and remembered for a long time.
In Malaysia, elements of repro- ductive and social health education have been included in the secondary school curriculum since 1989 and was introduced in primary schools in 1994.
It was later implemented in preschools in 2003, and further emphasised in 2010.
The programme was conducted for four hours nationwide to commemorate the launch.
“Peers has been around for a long time.
“The teaching and learning will be developed and reinforced further,” added Mahdzir.
As many as 2,759 rape cases, 412 incest cases and 1,423 molest cases, involving victims under the age of 18, have been recorded according to data provided by the police for 2015 and 2016.
“These are cases that have been reported, but we believe there are more that have gone unreported especially those that involve molest cases.
“The Government has taken several initiatives to address the issue. Ammong them, the establishment of the Special Criminal Court on sexual crimes against children in June, launched by Prime Minister Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“In line with the setting up of this special court, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 was also passed,” Mahdzir added.
Education Ministry deputy direc- tor-general (education policy and development) Datuk Sulaiman Wak said earlier that the Peers component is 75% of the Health Education subject curriculum.
Also present was education director-general Tan Sri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof and Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad.