KUCHING: Addressing teenage pregnancies requires collective effort from all sectors of society to build a nurturing and protective environment.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that parents, educators and communities must take the lead in guiding children towards informed, responsible choices.
“Our teenagers today are growing up in a rapidly evolving world, influenced by global cultures and unrestricted access to digital information.
“Conversations around sexual and reproductive health can no longer be avoided or considered taboo. If we do not address these topics openly, misinformation will fill the gap” she said.
She was officiating at the launch of ‘Dawn Hope: A Safe Haven for Girls in Need’ at Grand Margherita Hotel on Saturday.
Nancy highlighted that her ministry has been actively collaborating with federal and state agencies, along with civil society organisations, to implement policies and programmes that strengthen sexual and reproductive health education.
“Thus, I commend Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) for integrating education and vocational training into Dawn Hope, Sarawak’s first-ever transit shelter.
“Equipping young mothers with skills and knowledge ensures that they do not just survive, they thrive. Continued education and skills training break the cycle of vulnerability and unlock opportunities for a brighter future,” she said.
Meanwhile, YSD chairman, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar said Malaysia is currently facing a silent epidemic of unplanned pregnancies among young girls.
He added that the Ministry of Health’s recent data revealed a troubling rise in such cases, pointing to the urgent need for targeted support structures to offer pathways to stability and self-reliance for these girls.
“YSD is honoured to be leading this Dawn Hope initiative in partnership with Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS).
“We are pleased to be working with PPIS founder Manjeet Kaur.
“Together, we are providing a sanctuary where young women can access a comprehensive type of support, from healthcare and mental health support, to education and vocational training to empower these young women to rebuild and take charge of their futures,” he said.
However, he said Dawn Hope goes beyond being just a refuge to provide a start-over avenue for personal growth and community integration.
“As part of our collaboration with PPIS, we also aim to address the important social issues of prevention of teenage pregnancies as well as baby abandonment, with education and awareness programmes, working with PPIS and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile PPIS president Manjeet Kaur Sidhu said that by providing a safe space and access to education, they are not only protecting lives but also empowering these young mothers to overcome their challenges and thrive.
“For those seeking assistance, NGOs will contact us, and we will provide our contact details. Meetings are arranged at our office, where we conduct screenings to ensure the authenticity of each case before moving them to the transit shelter.
“This ensures that those in genuine need receive the appropriate care and support,” she said.
For the record, Dawn Hope established by YSD and PPIS, and fully funded by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for nine months, provides a secure refuge and rehabilitation for vulnerable young mothers and their babies, offering essential support such as healthcare, counseling and skills training to rebuild their lives.
This programme is a key initiative of Programme SINAR YSD (Sokongan Inklusif Autisme,
Remaja, dan Komuniti Rentan), a nationwide programme fully funded by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) under the Belanjawan 2025 initiative.
