Sarawak teenage pregnancy cases fall 11.5pct, exceed State KPI

A pregnant woman is the index case of a new cluster named the Sungai Nirai Cluster in Selangau. — DayakDaily.com file pic. // Photo: Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

ASAJAYA, Oct 8: Sarawak has recorded an 11.5 per cent drop in teenage pregnancy cases this year, exceeding the State government’s annual Key Performance Indicator (KPI) target of a 10 per cent reduction from the previous year.

In a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decline reflected the positive impact of continuous social intervention efforts.

“Although statistics show a significant decline in cases, particularly among school students, these efforts must not stop here. The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring that awareness programmes continue to be strengthened,” he said in his speech, which was delivered by Samarahan Resident Irwan Bahari Bujang during the launch of the programme at SMK Hajah Laila Taib (HALATA) here today.

Abdul Karim said the results also demonstrated the effectiveness of various social intervention programmes, including the Social Intervention Programme: Sexuality Education Awareness and Advocacy (KAPS), implemented by the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) under the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development (KWKPK), in collaboration with various agencies.

He said KAPS would continue at primary and secondary schools this year and had also been expanded to the community through KAPS Community to ensure prevention messages reach a wider audience.

Abdul Karim stressed that parents and the community must take sexual health education seriously to help teenagers understand personal boundaries, responsibilities and the risks of unhealthy relationships.

“At the same time, society needs to discard the attitude of solely blaming women, as the responsibility for prevention and such behaviour involves both parties,” he said.

He also called on parents to build strong bonds with their children, maintain open communication and provide guidance with love and care.

Also present were Asajaya District Officer Jerry Zannuddin Bidin, SMK Hajah Laila Taib principal Syed Ishak Syed Manan, Samarahan Division Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Irwan Hafiz Mohd Radzi, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali and Samarahan Malay Community Temenggung Chek Bujang. — DayakDaily