The AMLA Amendments - Association of Muslim Professionals

The AMLA Amendments
Social Resilience
KARYAWAN
‘Sex education at an earlier stage could be considered, perhaps
introducing it at the upper primary level. It could be introduced
as part of personal hygiene-oriented lessons.’
There are many reasons why teenagers engage in premarital sex. There is no single factor to be blamed for all possible
occurrences of teenage sex. In girls more than boys, there is a belief that sex will keep their partner interested in
them and will provide the love they crave. Another common cited reason is the media influence such as television
and Internet.
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Another disturbing trend amongst clients who are referred to INSPIRASI@AMP, a dedicated hub for marriage
enrichment and preparation for minor couples, is the relaxed or permissive attitudes amongst parents towards their
children’s dating activities. Many are not concerned that their children are involved with members of the opposite sex
during their early teens. There is no structured monitoring, explanation and boundary-setting to such relationships.
There are also times where we see clients cohabiting, sometime with the “blessings” of their parents.
Perhaps to address the issue, a more upstream effort needs to be in place. The sex education component introduced
in secondary schools is a commendable effort. However; it might not be enough as many are already involved in
premarital sex at that age. In addition, from the experience of counsellors at INSPIRASI@AMP, there is also a possibility
that many of those who are involved in premarital sex might have missed out on sex education in school as many
might have dropped out of school at lower secondary level. Sex education at an earlier stage could be considered,
perhaps introducing it at the upper primary level. It could be introduced as part of personal hygiene-oriented lessons;
or it could be coupled with some moral education components where students can be taught about looking after
their body and protecting themselves from harm and at the same time, instilling positive values.
This could then complement the amendments to the AMLA to ensure that the implementation of the amendments
will not be seen as just reducing the numbers or the statistics but also to contribute towards the improvement of the
Malay/Muslim community as a whole.
Zaleha Ahmad is Centre Director of INSPIRASI@AMP, a dedicated
hub for marriage preparation and enrichment for minor couples. The
views expressed are her own.