JAKARTA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim clarified here yesterday that his proposal for Malaysian women to show a consent letter from their family or employer before travelling out of the country alone was only meant for those below 21 years of age.

"There's some misunderstanding. I was referring to boys and girls who travel on their own, especially those below 21 and who are still subject to the supervision of their parents. Women above 21 years old are adult enough.

"But for those below 21, it's only fair that parental guidance be given," he told reporters at a press conference here at the end of his working visit to Indonesia yesterday.

Rais said the consent need not necessarily be in the form of papers or letters of declaration, as that would be a big hindrance.

"What I meant was those below 21 should be guided; parents should ask why they want to go to Venezuela or Spain.

"Parents should know where their children are going," he said.

Rais said he was only concerned over the safety of those who travelled alone overseas, especially children.

"But if this is regarded by human rightists to be against human rights, wait until their own children get into trouble," he said.

In Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the proposal would not be a violation of human rights since it would, if accepted, only apply to those who were still under the legal protection of their parents.

He said the proposal would be raised in the Cabinet as soon as possible. -The Star, ANN