Malaysian youths who are still studying or remain in an academic environment are more likely to postpone their first sexual experience, according to a survey.

The 'Face of Global Sex Report 2012' by Durex said that young people in Malaysia on average would encounter their first sexual experience at 23 and receive sexual education from the age of 15, compared to the average age of 12 in countries like Austria, Germany and Mexico.

The study also showed that Malaysia was one of the countries that practised safe sex, with a ranking of 13th among 37 countries surveyed globally.

"The results show that despite being exposed to sex education at a later date, Malaysians are highly aware of safe sex practices," Nikhilesh Kalra, strategic commercial director at Reckitt Benckiser Malaysia and Singapore, was quoted saying in a statement issued by Durex, a leading condom brand.

"It also shows that Malaysians are generally responsible when practising sex, and this is an encouraging and healthy sign in the society," he said.

The report indicated that Malaysians were most likely in the region to us condoms in their first sexual experience.

The survey, which reached out to over 29,000 respondents, found that those who used condom in their first sexual experience were more likely to continue to practise safe sex measures.

- Bernama