The Malaysian government will sought the help of local universities and experts in dealing with transgender issues, local media reported on Wednesday.

The time has come for experts and researchers to conduct a thorough study on the problems and issues affecting the transgender group such as homosexuality, bisexuality and same- marriage, Minister of Women, Family and Social Development Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said.

"There must be a reason why such things happen. Currently, we do not have studies on this. We need the facts and figures. We must understand how they turned out the way they are," Shahrizat was quoted as saying by The Star.

These issues are delicate and sensitive as a religious perspective is involved, Shahrizat told reporters, while adding that these issues also have social impacts.

"The ministry is not here to pass judgments on people in this group. We have to look at the problems they face. I think they need support and help," said the woman minister.

Shahrizat made the remarks when asked to comment on the recent wedding party between Joshua Beh and Jessie Chung, who was born a male and had undergone a sex change operation.

Last Saturday, the two persons held a "high-profile" wedding in the eastern state of Sarawak, the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Tan Chai Ho said such a marriage was illegal, as the government did not recognizes marriages between the same gender, even if one partner had undergone a sex change by surgery.

Source: Xinhua