A PILOT programme teaching students about the dangers of pre-marital sex was introduced in the school curriculum last month to prevent underage pregnancies.

The move was among the proactive measures initiated by the Women, Community and Family Development Ministry as over 6,000 teen pregnancies and births involving girls below the age of 16 had been recorded since 2000.

“Based on National Registration Department data, a total of 6,820 pregnancies and births involving girls below 16 were recorded between 2000 and Oct 9, 2012,” the ministry said in a written reply to a question raised by Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam).

It said that the pilot project, launched in collaboration with the Education Ministry, taught Standard Six and Form Three students the risks and dangers of pre-marital sex through a programme based on the Federation of Reproductive Health Association’s module.

“The programme was implemented as part of the curriculum for Standard Six and Form Three students after their respective UPSR, PMR and special students examinations in selected schools nationwide beginning September,” it stated.

Sixty-seven teachers were trained to teach 1,360 students in the programme between Sept 8 and 10.

Another measure taken was the review of the reproductive health education policy and action plan that was aimed at creating awareness amongst parents and youths on reproductive health and the negative effects of pre-marital sex.

Reproductive health education was also part of the National Service training last year with 105,622 trainees in 84 camps undergoing the module as of May this year while an additional 100,000 would undergo the programme by the end of this year, said the ministry.

The Star reported on Sept 22 that unwed Malaysian teenage girls were getting pregnant, with a major hospital recording at least one case every day.

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