SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR PREGNANT STUDENTS TO OPEN SOON IN JASIN

Melaka, Malaysia, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- A special school for students who become
pregnant out of wedlock would open in Jasin in this southern state soon, said
Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam.

He said the school would be under the administration of the Melaka State Islamic
Religious Department (Jaim) and would occupy a building previously occupied by
the district kadhi for those who voluntary chose to enter the school.

Mohd Ali said parents needed to open up their minds a bit and change their way
of thinking to suit current times because in the old days, couples married as
young as 14 or 15 years old," he said, explaining the rationale of setting up
the school which some quarters find odd.

"For poor families who cannot efford to pay for their children's marriage, the
state government will assist by giving RM500 (US$158) for the solemnisation of
the marriage, witnesses and a small feast, while the dowry can even be paid
later," he said after officiating at a seminar on understanding Ramadan at the
Al Azim Mosque, here, Tuesday.

He said the state government's approach in dealing with the issue of unwed young
mothers was to save them, as those who got involved in prostitution and became
pregnant would find it difficult to return to the right path without support
from society.

-- BERNAMA