tags - Sinar Daily

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) says stigma surrounding condoms and HIV prevention continues to undermine public health efforts, particularly within Muslim communities, where 'condom shame' remains a persistent barrier. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva.

Misconceptions, embarrassment and persistent social stigma continue to keep Malaysians from using condoms consistently, fuelling preventable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contributing to new HIV cases nationwide, experts warn. Photo for illustrative purposes only - 123RF

File Pix

Photo for illustration purpose only - 123RF

Photo for illustration purpose only. Data from a survey of more than 242,000 15-year-olds across 42 of the 53 countries that make up the WHO European region, which includes Central Asia, showed that the proportion of sexually active teenage boys who used a condom the last time they had sex fell from 70 per cent in 2014 to 61 per cent in 2022. - Photo by AFP

The survey reveals one of the most alarming findings where over half of Malaysians (51.77 per cent) did not use condoms during their first sexual experience.

Photo for illustration purpose only. - File photo by 123RF

Education on sexual health should begin well before university, particularly for those who may not pursue higher education. Photo for illustrative purposes only - 123RF

Photo for illustration purposes only. - 123RF

Illustrative image (123rf)