(AFP) - Malaysians prefer socialising to having sex, but when in the throes of passion favoured the country's scenic beaches, a survey by a condom maker revealed.

In its annual sex survey for 2001, Durex SSL Healthcare said only four percent of Malaysians rated sex as their favourite pastime, with a majority of respondents admitting they'd rather socialise or watch television.

The survey found 24 percent of respondents favoured beaches, which are found in abundance here, when in the mood for love, while 21 percent opted for a jacuzzi or hot bath.

A smaller number preferred the kitchen table for hanky-panky.

Faithful lovers

Malaysians also made faithful lovers, having on average less than five sexual partners, compared to a whopping 14.3 partners recorded by the Americans, a report in the Star daily said Wednesday.

Some 500 Malaysians surveyed had sex 88 times a year, an increase from 62 times in last year's results.