PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry (MOE) will consider a proposal to separate boys and girls during lessons now that the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) syllabus is being updated.
“MOE will consider the proposal to separate boys and girls during PEERS lessons, taking into account various factors, including cultural sensitivities, educational philosophy, effectiveness of mixed-gender versus segregated learning environments, and practical considerations,” the ministry told The Star.
“While gender segregation may be supported in some contexts, MOE will take into account educational goals of fostering respect, equality, and open communication between boys and girls in relationship skills education.”
The ministry said the best approach was striking a balance between a safe and respectful learning environment with the goal of promoting gender equality and inclusive learning experiences.
Pilot programmes, consultation with stakeholders and evidence-based practices would play a significant role in determining the path forward, MOE said.
This comes as the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Women, Children and Community Development released a report reviewing the PEERS syllabus for primary and secondary schools.
The committee had suggested segregating students based on gender to create a comfortable learning environment for them to ask questions.
“The ministry has been taking steps to update and improve the national curriculum, including teaching PEERS and other topics related to child protection, sexual abuse prevention, and online safety,” the ministry added.
On steps being taken in the curriculum update, MOE said age-appropriate and culturally sensitive topics on PEERS education, understanding human relationships, respect for personal boundaries, and safety in personal and online spaces would be included.
“The National Guidelines for PEERS was recently launched by MOE to enhance the teaching and learning of reproductive and social health education,” the ministry said.
“The updates focus on ensuring that students are taught fundamentals of sexual health, consent and relationship skills from preschool to secondary school.
“These updates aim to provide a foundation for understanding personal boundaries, gender equality, and safe online behaviours.”
The ministry said the curriculum also integrated topics empowering students to recognise signs of sexual harassment, grooming, or abuse, and to understand their right to say “no” in uncomfortable situations.
Students are encouraged to seek help from trusted adults and know how to report abuse, it added.
The ministry has also been focusing on training teachers to effectively deliver sensitive content related to PEERS, as part of the syllabus update.
“Teachers are provided with skills and resources necessary to address these topics in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Workshops will be conducted periodically to keep educators informed about the latest developments in child protection, sexual abuse prevention, and how to handle disclosures of abuse in the classroom,” it said.
“The issue of young children being involved in activities related to sexual grooming, sexual crimes, or sexuality issues, often without realising the illegality of their actions, is a serious concern globally.
“Malaysia is addressing and improving the situation by implementing initiatives which are based on both global best practices and the unique cultural and educational context of Malaysia.”
It said the 2027 syllabus would reflect the evolving needs of students in a fast-changing world in line with global trends and Malaysia’s educational priorities.
The focus will be on holistic education, digital literacy, sustainability, mental health, inclusive learning and skills for future careers.
“These areas, which align with broader national and international goals, will prepare students for a more interconnected, technology-driven, and rapidly changing future,” the statement added.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairperson Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said it was not too early for sexual education to be taught in preschool, adding that basics could start with the difference between good touch and bad touch.
Online grooming and ways to keep safe in the digital space were other areas to look at, she added.
“Any child at any age can be a victim,” she said.
“We cannot underestimate subtle dangers which present themselves across various online spaces, and how widespread they can be if not confronted.”
