THE United Nations State of World Population report, recently launched by the UN resident coordinator in Malaysia, states that according to the 2010 Malaysian population census, 80,000 girls and 70,000 boys between the ages of 15 and 19 were already married.
Our politicians, policymakers and the public must take serious note of these statistics, in particular, its social and economic implications for those concerned and for the nation.
It is well-known that youths who marry and start a family at an early age often abandon their studies, with many not even finishing their basic education, much less pursuing higher studies.
These young people will neither have the education nor the skills to be productive in the labour market and contribute to the economy. Not only does it deny young people the basic right to fully realises their potential but, at both family and national levels, it will also significantly add to social and economic costs.
Early marriage is often due to social pressures within the family and community. On the other hand, teenagers feel very grown up and want to decide their life on their own, taking the first step of marriage. They feel marriage can strengthen their relationships and solve their problems, which they sadly find later only get aggravated.
Those entering an early marriage out of choice should be warned of the various personal and health issues that can complicate their lives forever. Alongside early marriage, the report also points to the long-standing issue of a significant number of teen pregnancies, leading to social problems.
For instance, information from various sources suggests the average age of those who have contracted HIV and AIDS is getting younger, many as a result of premarital sex. These problems are compounded by a lack of information and services pertaining to sexual and reproductive health.
More emphasis on public education, counselling and investment is needed to create the right environment for young people to make informed choices and have the opportunities to find their niche both now and in the future.
Rueben Dudley, Petaling Jaya, Selangor