The proposal comes as 119 Malaysians, 90per cent of whom are women, have been imprisoned worldwide on drug-related charges, with the majority believed to have been duped into transporting drugs, The New Sunday Times reported.

'I have submitted this proposal to the Cabinet, and both the Foreign and Home ministries feel this is necessary,' Foreign Minister Rais Yatim told the newspaper.

He said many Malaysian women who travel alone do so 'on the pretext of work or attending courses and seminars'.

'With this declaration, we will know for sure where and for what she is travelling overseas,' he said.

Malaysians have become prime targets for syndicates wanting to smuggle drugs into the European Union, the paper said, because they do not require visas for short stays of up to 90days, or to transit in those countries.

The newspaper said the offences were also committed in various other countries, including China, Singapore, India, Spain and Portugal.

However, women's groups, have criticised the move.

'This is an infringement of our rights,' National Council for Women's Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) deputy president Faridah Khalid told The New Sunday Times.

'We are the victims, and now you are creating more problems. Why must you put more restrictions on women?'

Advocacy group Tenaganita said the move was not practical.

'Thousands of people travel daily. Who is going to scrutinise the declaration, as anyone can forge their parents' signature,' spokesman S. Florida said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE