GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA - A detailed study on early marriages needs to be carried out before any policy is made to allow Muslim teenagers to marry, a University Sains Malaysia dean said.

“An early marriage could lead to poverty, domestic violence and pressure from the family. We need to educate the public, parents and students on the consequences of getting married at an early age,” said USM School of Education dean Prof Dr Abdul Rashid Mohamed.

He was commenting on the move by the Malacca government to allow young Muslims to marry as a measure to curb teenage pregnancy and baby dumping.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had said the move would be carried out in accordance to Islamic practices.

He felt it was better to do this than see many teenagers being thrown out of their homes after becoming pregnant, turning to prostitution to support themselves and their babies or dumping their newborn infants.

Recently, the Education Ministry said that between 2006 and now, there were 21 recorded cases of students who became pregnant out of wedlock.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi had told the Senate the ministry had a programme to spread the message to students to refrain from sex until they get married.

“There is a need for a simple solution to solve the problem,” Dr Abdul Rashid told reporters after opening the 18th Association of Psychological and Educational Counsellors of Asia Pacific conference and workshop at a hotel here yesterday.

Universiti Malaya professor of counselling psychology Prof Suradi Salim, a participant at the conference, agreed with Dr Abdul Rashid, saying it (the move by Malacca) was not proper.

“Educating them (the youngsters) on the do’s and dont’s is the proper and appropriate measure,” he said.

However, he welcomed the decision by the Malacca government to open a special school for pregnant girls, irrespective of their marital status.

“With such a school, those who made mistakes will receive assistance, guidance and learn how to care for their babies.

“They will have space to expand, and not end up being rejected by the community,” he said, adding that there were such schools in the United States.

US participant Kevin P. Gallagher said sex education in schools could not provide a 100% guarantee that teenage pregnancies could be curbed.

The National Board for Certified Counsellors director said adolescence was a time when teenagers became curious about various things.

“Teachers provide proper information and consequences about having sex out of wedlock, but at the end of the day, curiosity kills the cat,” he said.