GEORGE TOWN – When one is embroiled in problems relating to family and finance, it is hard for them to make sound decisions, said a criminologist, following a recent video of a 16-year-old who was willing to sell her virginity for RM6,000. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia Assoc Prof (Hons) Datuk P. Sundramoorthy said people are not in the right mindset to make important life decisions when they are faced with familial and financial problems.

“We should not be shocked by such a video, as we need to determine whether the case was genuine or if it was done to gain social media attention for other purposes.

“However, I hope women’s aid centres or activists will approach the person immediately before she falls prey into the wrong hands or syndicates that seek to exploit her issues if she is in a desperate situation,” he told The Vibes.

He said this in response to the incident of the 16-year-old girl who sought help from the social media to forgo her virginity, while disclosing she is faced with some family problems.

The 17-second video went viral on Wednesday, attracting huge comments and advice.

He said the government should step in to help monitor her situation.

“Having sexual relations with an underage girl is statutory rape, even with her consent.

“We need to relook the consent age for marriages. I would propose 21 to be the consent age for marriage, as many nations have raised their marriage age from 18 to 21.

“The high number of divorce cases in Malaysia is also alarming and shows that wisdom comes with maturity.

“Married people should be mature in thinking so they can tackle and resolve life problems,” he added.

This article was first reported on TheVibes.