9,737 births by unmarried girls recorded over last five years, Parliament told

 

KUALA LUMPUR:There have been 9,737 births by unmarried girls aged 10 to 19 over the last five years, says the Women, Family and Community Ministry.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said these births are recorded at the Health Ministry’s health facilities.

She noted that the existing laws in the Child Act 2001, Penal Code, and the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment protect these teenagers.

Under the Child Act, a child may be considered in need of immediate protection if she is pregnant out of wedlock, including placing them in a protected place.

"This guarantees protection for these children and ensures they receive the necessary medical support and counselling.

"This also encourages the prevention of sexual exploitation and minimises the long-term impact on the involved teenagers," she said in a written parliamentary reply to Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin).

Nancy added that those who commit rape against girls under the age of 16 are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment under the Act.

For unmarried pregnant teenagers, there is also Taman Seri Puteri (TSP), a protective institution by the ministry that provides rehabilitation and protection for pregnant girls, she said.

The ministry provides counselling services and emotional support to help teenagers and their families cope with the stress and trauma of unplanned pregnancies, she added. - Star