Why is the Health Ministry opposing the marriage age proposal?

Question

Accepted Answer

Health Ministry Opposes Lowering Marriageable Age Due to Maturity Concerns

The Ministry of Health is opposing the proposal to lower the marriageable age, citing concerns that teenagers have not reached sufficient physical and psychological maturity. From a health perspective, early pregnancy can pose life-threatening risks to both mother and baby due to the underdeveloped state of a teenage uterus. Psychologically, young individuals would face immense pressure managing a household at an age where they are still children themselves.
Concerns Regarding Physical Maturity

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Lee Boon Chye, highlighted that from a health standpoint, it is not advisable to permit marriage at younger ages. He specifically pointed out that teenagers' uteruses are not yet strong enough to sustain a pregnancy, which creates a significant risk of life-threatening complications for both the mother and the developing baby. This physiological unpreparedness is a primary reason for the ministry's opposition.
Psychological Immaturity and Stress

Beyond the physical implications, the ministry also expressed strong reservations about the psychological impact of early marriage. Dr. Lee stated that expecting teenagers to manage the responsibilities and pressures of running a household at a young age is akin to asking a child to raise another child. This immense emotional and mental burden can be detrimental to their development and overall well-being.
Broader Societal Implications

The proposal, put forth by Sabah Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar, suggests lowering the marriageable age for Muslims to 14 for females and 16 for males. However, experts like Dr. Romzi Ationg, a lecturer and researcher at the Labuan International Campus of University Malaysia Sabah, argue that such a move would jeopardise efforts to address social ills and immoral activities. He believes that lowering the age demonstrates ignorance regarding the importance of early education and could exacerbate issues stemming from poverty and uncontrolled immoral activities.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why is the Health Ministry opposing the marriage age proposal?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends