'Ending child marriages will encourage teen sex'

Chandar Singh (right), 18, and his bride Asha, 14, sit in a temple during their marriage ceremony in Rajgarh district,about 155km northeast of central Indian city of Bhopal in this May 11, 2005 file photo. - Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS lawmaker has defended child marriages, saying curbing it will only encourage pre-marital sex among minors.

Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad (PAS-Pasir Puteh) said teenagers below 16 already have sexual urges.