KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: It will be cumbersome to implement the proposal for Malaysians below 21 years travelling abroad alone to get a consent letter from their families or employers.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said that although the measure was meant to enable parents to monitor their children, it would not stop them from being victims of drug trafficking.

"The more important thing is for parents to pay attention to their children, create awareness and imbue in them important core values," she said.

Parents and teachers should remind children of the danger of accepting 'great deals' online and being greedy, she added.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim clarified that his proposal for Malaysian women to show a consent letter from their family or employer before travelling out of the country alone was meant for Malaysians under 21.

Meanwhile, there have been mixed reaction to the proposal from various groups.

Parent S. Christina was upset when she heard of the proposal.

She said the Government should concentrate on more important matters such as developing youths, enhancing the education system and finding ways to crack down on drug syndicates.

Women's Aid Organisation executive director Ivy Josiah said it was better for the Government to issue a travel advisory or teach youths to guard of their luggage.

"We also need to respect young people. If kids are old enough to drive a car at 18, then we should trust them enough to make judgments about travel," she said.

Malaysian Youth Council president Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said it was a reasonable move, especially if it will help solve the problem.

Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said the proposal should be taken in good spirit as it prevents youths from being tricked into illegal activities.