Community called to help tackle rising teen pregnancy concerns

SIBU: The federal Ministry for Women, Family and Community Development is calling on the community to collaborate in addressing the growing concern of teen pregnancies.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said Sarawak has the second-highest number of adolescents aged 13 to 18 engaged in sexual relationships at 9.1 per cent, following Kelantan with the highest rate at 9.5 per cent, and Penang as the third-highest with 8.9 per cent.

“The cases are becoming more and more concerning in Sarawak, thus I feel it is time for me to go to my own state and share whatever we have in our ministry. We have to do something and work together with the community,” she told the media after officiating the Advocacy Forum for Reproductive Education, Especially for Special Needs Groups, from a Religious Perspective in Sarawak programme here today (Dec 7).

Nancy highlighted that the forum is part of the ministry’s commitment to intensify efforts in empowering reproductive and social health education, especially among adolescents.

The goal is to effectively address social issues through increased knowledge and awareness of reproductive and social health, fostering the development of dignified and integral individuals for a brighter future.

Organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department and Sarawak Mufti Department, the forum aims to address social issues among adolescents and teen pregnancies.

“I hope that all parties involved continue to support and collaborate in reproductive and social health programmes for the younger generation in higher education institutions, schools and communities.”

She noted the ministry’s intention to engage with other religious bodies, including churches, to organise similar events, recognising Sarawak’s diverse population comprising people from different religions and races.