(Kuching, Jan 1) The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato' Sri Nancy Shukri, pointed out that with the rising rate of adolescent pregnancies in Malaysia, discussions on sexual and reproductive health can no longer be shelved or considered taboo.
She stated that these dialogues are crucial for the well-being and future of the nation's youth.
She revealed that in the past five years, Malaysia recorded 44,263 cases of adolescent pregnancies, with 17,646 involving unmarried young mothers.
She stated that today’s adolescents are growing up in a rapidly evolving world, influenced by global culture and unrestricted digital information. Conversations about sexual and reproductive health can no longer be avoided or considered taboo.
“If we do not openly discuss these topics, misinformation will fill the void. Parents, educators, and the community must take the lead and guide our children to make informed and responsible choices.”
Dato' Sri Nancy Shukri emphasized at the launch ceremony of the “Raudah of Hope” program that these numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives, dreams, and futures that matter.
She emphasized that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has been actively collaborating with federal and state agencies, as well as social organizations, to implement policies and plans to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education.
She disclosed that the “Raudah of Hope” facility is a place of refuge for young girls facing early pregnancies and other social challenges. The facility, established in collaboration with the Sime Darby Foundation and the Sarawak Human Development Organization, aims to provide shelter, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs for young girls in crisis situations, including young mothers.
She stated that in the temporary shelter, these girls will receive necessary support such as protection, healthcare, mental health services, counseling, and parenting guidance.
As part of the collaboration between the Sime Darby Foundation and the Sarawak Women Development Bureau, Sime Darby Foundation Chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran stated that the foundation aims to tackle important social issues such as preventing adolescent pregnancy and baby abandonment through educational and awareness programs in cooperation with the Sarawak Human Development Organization and various NGOs in Sarawak.
She stated that these dialogues are crucial for the well-being and future of the nation's youth.
She revealed that in the past five years, Malaysia recorded 44,263 cases of adolescent pregnancies, with 17,646 involving unmarried young mothers.
She stated that today’s adolescents are growing up in a rapidly evolving world, influenced by global culture and unrestricted digital information. Conversations about sexual and reproductive health can no longer be avoided or considered taboo.
“If we do not openly discuss these topics, misinformation will fill the void. Parents, educators, and the community must take the lead and guide our children to make informed and responsible choices.”
Dato' Sri Nancy Shukri emphasized at the launch ceremony of the “Raudah of Hope” program that these numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives, dreams, and futures that matter.
She emphasized that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has been actively collaborating with federal and state agencies, as well as social organizations, to implement policies and plans to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education.
She disclosed that the “Raudah of Hope” facility is a place of refuge for young girls facing early pregnancies and other social challenges. The facility, established in collaboration with the Sime Darby Foundation and the Sarawak Human Development Organization, aims to provide shelter, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs for young girls in crisis situations, including young mothers.
She stated that in the temporary shelter, these girls will receive necessary support such as protection, healthcare, mental health services, counseling, and parenting guidance.
As part of the collaboration between the Sime Darby Foundation and the Sarawak Women Development Bureau, Sime Darby Foundation Chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran stated that the foundation aims to tackle important social issues such as preventing adolescent pregnancy and baby abandonment through educational and awareness programs in cooperation with the Sarawak Human Development Organization and various NGOs in Sarawak.