Suhakam: Child marriage remains pressing issue in Sarawak, teen mums often forced to leave school

KUCHING (Sept 26): Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Sarawak, said Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Sarawak commissioner Dr Chew Chee Ming.

He said the issue ranks alongside the challenges faced by stateless children and prevalence of violence against children.

He pointed out that in 2022, Sarawak was reported as one of the states with the highest incidences of child marriage in the country.

“With our evolved understanding of this issue and as far as human rights is concerned, child marriage in today’s world is widely unaccepted by the international community as well as by most Malaysians.

“Sadly, many young teenagers who fall pregnant are compelled to get married even though they were not physically, mentally, or emotionally ready. This often leads to them leaving school, shouldering the burdens of motherhood at an unsettled young age,” he said when officiating at the Forum on Child Rights in Malaysia: How Did We Fare, Challenges and Way Forward here today.

He called for parents and the community to inspire hope in pregnant teenagers by affirming that they can and should continue their education after giving birth.

“It is vital to recognise that these teenagers are not obligated to marry their boyfriends or individuals who caused their pregnancy,” he stressed.

Dr Chew noted that this is a complex issue, deeply rooted in cultural norms, marriage laws, and local customs.

He explained that early marriages often result in young people being unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood where many lack stable employment, increasing the risk of violence against both the teenagers and their children.

It is crucial for all children and adolescents, especially those up to the age of 18, to prioritise their education without the burden of adult responsibilities or the challenges of early pregnancies.

“During these formative years, young people should focus on learning, personal development, and pursue their interests.

“Early exposure to adult obligations can stifle their academic growth and emotional well-being, ultimately limiting their future opportunities. Together we can support these young people in building a brighter future,” said Dr Chew.

He also pointed out that children, particularly girls, even if they appear physically mature, are not ready for adult responsibilities, and deserve to enjoy their childhood as well as adolescence without the pressures of adult life.

“Thankfully, the significance of the practice of child marriage has been devalued owing to the rise of socioeconomic status of Malaysian citizens and the subsequent diminution of other drivers of child marriage.

“We continue to work closely with international and national stakeholders such as Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to draw each other’s experience to address this issue of child marriage,” he added.

Held in conjunction with Suhakam’s 25th anniversary, the forum was organised by Lawyer Kamek, a Sarawak-based non-profit organisation, in partnership with Suhakam.

It aimed to highlight critical issues and foster meaningful dialogue on the protection and advancement of children’s rights in Malaysia, with a particular focus on Sarawak.