Yeoh: Keeping them in school till 17 can put a lid on child marriages

KUALA LUMPUR: Amending the law for compulsory education to be raised to 17 is the first step towards ending child marriages, says Hannah Yeoh.

As of now compulsory education ends at 12, the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister said.

“For those in Forms One to Five, there are no laws which says parents must ensure their children remain in school.

“Because of this, many, after the age of 12, especially in rural areas, drop out,” she told reporters during a visit to SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail yesterday.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik had cited child marriages as one of the reasons for school dropouts during Question Time in Parliament on Nov 29.

Yeoh said it would be meaningless to start awareness campaigns if students were allowed to opt out of school.

The Education Ministry had been informed about the need to amend the law to keep students in school until Form Five, she said.

The broader issue included teenagers who got pregnant and those who were in relationships, Yeoh said.

“Fighting child marriage must come with fighting teenage pregnancy.

“The Health Ministry has done a study on the prevalence of sex outside marriage among teenagers (and found that) 9% of remove class students (or 13-year-olds) are sexually active.

“If your 13-year-old is sexually active, it is only a matter of time before she become pregnant.

“This is why the numbers (of child marriages) are high,” she explained.

Yeoh said her ministry had disclosed the effects and statistics of child marriages during a special meeting with all ministers and the Council of Rulers.

Though sex education was taught in schools, Yeoh said it could be improved.

“Sex education is very important, parents must not have denial syndrome.

“They must teach their children and not leave it to teachers.

“Family upbringing and parents’ involvement with their children are also important.

“There are many ways (to) approach this issue of child marriage,” she added.

Yeoh’s office provided RM19,550 to SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail yesterday to install new doors for 11 of its classrooms.

The previous doors were dilapidated and Yeoh said she wanted to provide a more comfortable environment for students.

“When you come to class (in a dilapidated state), your morale will also decrease.

“We encourage parents to help out. We know that this school’s Parent-Teacher Association is active,” she added.