Teen pregnancies in Sarawak drop 11.5 per cent

ASAJAYA: Sarawak has surpassed its annual target for reducing teenage pregnancy cases with an 11.5 per cent decline.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the achievement showed that continued social intervention efforts were producing positive results in addressing teenage pregnancy.

“Although statistics show a significant decline in cases, particularly among school-going teenagers, these efforts must not stop here.

“The State Government is committed to ensuring that awareness programmes continue to be strengthened,” he said.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Samarahan Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, during the launch of the 2026 Samarahan Division Sexual Education Awareness and Advocacy Programme (KAPS) at SMK Hajah Laila Taib here today.

Abdul Karim said the achievement reflected the effectiveness of various social intervention programmes, including KAPS implemented by the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) under the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development, in collaboration with various agencies.

Students take part in an educational activity during the KAPS programme. – Photo: Einstein Unji

He also said KAPS would continue in primary and secondary schools this year while being expanded to communities through KAPS Community, allowing prevention messages to reach a wider audience.

“At the same time, sexual health education requires greater attention from parents and society to help teenagers understand personal boundaries, responsibility and the risks of unhealthy relationships.

“Society must also stop blaming women alone, as responsibility for prevention and such behaviour involves both parties,” he added.