Netizens Debate Form 3 Textbook Question On Incest And Sexual Grooming
A number of people were concerned that such a distressing scenario was presented in an online quiz.
By May Vin Ang — 08 Oct 2021, 04:50 PM
A multiple-choice question from what looks like an online quiz for Malaysian secondary school students has caused quite a stir online due to its sensitive subject matter
The question, which was shared on Reddit as well as in a Facebook group, asks what a student would do if their grandfather requested to shower together.
Four possible answers were given:
– Push your grandfather until he falls down
– Firmly decline your grandfather's request
– Accept your grandfather's request
– Splash water at your grandfather's face
With most Malaysians being unfamiliar with the new education syllabus, the question garnered polarising views
Without context, a number of Malaysian netizens were concerned that such a distressing scenario was presented in an exam and criticised the question for the way it was phrased.
Some worried it could lead to students having unwanted thoughts towards family members.
Meanwhile, others felt the question on sexual grooming among family members is one of many taboo issues that students should be taught about in school.
Eventually, some users identified that the question came from the Form 3 Pendidikan Jasmani dan Pendidikan Kesihatan (Physical and Health Education) textbook
The same photo can be found in a series of other scenarios in the Reproductive Health and Social Education (PEERS) chapters of the Form 3 textbook published in 2018.
Other scenarios asked the students to discuss what they would do if their father came into their bedroom at an inappropriate time, an older sibling asked them to watch porn with them, or if an uncle touched them in inappropriate places.
The chapter on 'Family Relations' is meant to teach students the meaning of unwelcomed sexual advances from family members and incest.
According to the textbook's table of contents, PEERS covers topics such as gender and identity, discrimination, drug abuse, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, and exploitation.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
