THE Youth and Sports Ministry has expressed concern over the fact that 445 youth, of whom 411 were girls, have dropped out of school to get married.

       Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu told the Dewan Rakyat that various parties would have to work together to boost programmes that would occupy their time so they could be positively influenced by their peers and get better education.“This will give them better working opportunities in the future, rather than them finding an ‘easy way out’ by allowing them to get married at such a young age.

       “We need to strengthen and increase such programmes and I think these will include programmes introduced by my ministry with the support of all, including community leaders,” said the minister.

       Kasthuri Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) had asked about the 445 youths who were found to have left school to get married between 2020 and now.“From the total, 411 are girls and 34 are boys. The figures are shocking and worrying.

       “I would like to know what the ministry’s key performance indicator (KPI) is in terms of implementing those strategies, as well as how effective the plan is, including addressing the more than 445 students who have dropped out from school just to get married.

       “Something is wrong somewhere, I hope the minister can outline his action plans,” she said in a supplementary question during Minister’s Question Time.

       Ahmad Faizal apologised, saying he did not have details on the KPI.

       “I will reply in a written answer. But I am not satisfied with the results so far. We should all do more to resolve the problem. If we can cooperate better, the issue can be addressed,” he said.Ahmad Faizal said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry had taken the lead in the issue of child marriage and developed a five-year National Strategy Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage, containing short, medium and long-term actions involving government agencies, civil society and communities from 2020 to 2025.

       “The implementation of the programme is under 61 federal government agencies, non-governmental organisations and international bodies.

       “The Youth and Sports Ministry is involved in implementing the initiatives under the plan,” he said.