Sharp rise in Malay teenage pregnancies detected in Singapore=

Sharp rise in Malay teenage pregnancies detected in Singapore=

Deutsche Presse-Agentur Singapore

Pregnancies among Malay teenagers in Singapore have more than quadrupled in recent years, fostering new videos to help embarrassed parents talk to their offspring about sex, The Sunday Times said.

From 100 pregnancies a year between 1995 and 1997, the figure has jumped to 431 for the last year data was available, according to the Family Development Network.

Unless something is done, teenage pregnancy will become a major problem, warned Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, the minister for Muslim Affairs.

Thirty-eight percent of the Malay community here are under the age of 19. The total number of Malays amount to 14 percent of the predominantly Chinese population.

The 500 VCDs to be distributed at mosques and by various organizations offer parents different ways of discussing sexual issues and teaching teenagers the dangers and consequences of early sexual activity.

"Through the VCDs, we hope to help the Malay parents understand that they have to make the first step," Yaacob was quoted as saying.

"They need to find out their kids' concerns and work out a solution together."