Sex is still a taboo subject in Malaysian society, and people of the older generation think it is a shameful topic to be discussed.
Durex Malaysia’s Sexual Health and Intimate Wellness Survey (“Durex Survey”), was recently conducted amongst youths aged between 18 and 30, and revealed that more Malaysian youths are sexually active now compared to their 2016 survey.
This survey was done in April and May 2022. The respondents numbered more than 1,000 youths aged 18 to 30 years old.
The Durex survey found that 62% of Malaysian youths had their first sexual experience at 22 years old or younger. In 2016, the figure was 42%. Other than that, 35.4% of Malaysian youths claimed to have had sexual intercourse compared to only 18.8% in 2016.
With sexual activity increasing, you would think that youths are more knowledgeable about sex. However, the statistics show differently:
- 31% believed the myth that a woman cannot get pregnant during her period, whereas 20% answered that they were unsure of the correct answer.
- 31% did not know that a woman could get pregnant the first time she engages in sex. The figure in 2016 was 35%.
- 35% believe that two condoms simultaneously are better than one. In 2016, the figure was 20%
- 22% wrongly believe that mosquitoes can transmit an STI. The figure was 18.3% in 2016
- 23% think that HIV can be transmitted through a toilet seat. The figure was at 10% in 2016.
- 16% believe that it is shameful to get tested for an STI and would rather not get tested
- Almost 40% believe the myth that STIs are only transmitted through penetrative sex.
For illustration purposes only.
Other surprising facts that the Durex team managed to find out during this survey are: 41% of Malaysian youths believe that masturbation is bad for health, 42% of youth prefer sex without a condom, and more than 1 out of 5 youths have sexted* before (*sent a provocative text or lewd photo).
There also seems to be a different perception when females and males carry condoms as more than 50% of the youths believe that men who have condoms are responsible, whereas women who bring them are perceived as expecting sex.
Following these statistics, Durex launched the #COMETOGETHER campaign to encourage more open conversations around sex.
Tiffany Tang, Marketing Director at Reckitt Benckiser, added, “we are hopeful that through the findings of this survey, more opportunities for open conversations on sex and sexuality can be done to create a safe space for Malaysian youths to share experiences, educate themselves and ask questions.”
“The more informed they are, the more prepared they are to make better choices.”
WATCH: Schoolboys Taught How To Put On A Condom At School In Sarawak, M’sians Love The Idea
