Singapore  - The number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among teenagers is forecast to hit a record high in Singapore this year with some having sex as early as 12, a published report said on Sunday.

The top two STIs are chlamydia for girls and gonorrhoea for boys, accounting for more than half of all STIs in teenagers.

The Department of STI Control estimated 800 to 815 cases last year from 776 in 2006 and 678 in 2005.

Figures published in The Sunday Times for the general population have stayed relatively constant at around 11,000 from 2004 to 2006.

Teenage STIs have been identified as a "pressing matter" by a Health Ministry committee.

"Gone are the days when virginity is pure," Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of youth services at the Singapore Children's Society, was quoted as saying.

"When they have unprotected sex, they don't see it as risky behaviour, they think it's natural and pure," she noted.

The number of girls infected is twice that of boys, said Tan, because girls usually attain sexual maturity earlier and are more susceptible to infections such as chlamydia. (dpa)