Bandar Seri Begawan - A 13-year-old was the youngest person in Brunei Darussalam who got pregnant, according to records compiled between 2000 and 2006. Records also indicated that 2,176 teenagers, including those who are married, have given birth.

These figures were revealed by Dr Hajah Musjarena binti Hj Abdul Mulok, Senior Medical Officer of the Department of Medical Services, during a presentation on the risk and consequences of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and teenage pregnancies for some 500 students of Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Husain (SMSH) yesterday.

Health problems associated with teenage pregnancies were also highlighted in her presentation. According to her, pregnant teens have a high risk of giving birth prematurely, endangering both the life of the mother and infant. They may also suffer from anaemia, STDs, pregnancy-induced hypertension and eclampsia (an acute and life-threatening complication of pregnancy).

It was also highlighted that pregnant teens may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for six months. Teenagers who get themselves pregnant will also be dismissed by theirs schools and they will not be able to continue their studies at higher learning institutions. As a result of this, they will not have necessary qualifications and skills to have a bright future. They will then have to depend on their families and welfare assistance to make ends meet.

With regards to children who are abandoned, they will not become citizen of Brunei. Instead, they can only hold red ID or 'stateless' status. They will also not be eligible for free education nor will they be able to apply for scholarships offered by the Brunei Government. To avoid teenage pregnancies, she urged female students to practise abstinence or to voluntary steer clear of any sexual activity.