BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & RASHEEQA BAHIDA
KUCHING: The state government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is taking the issues of divorces among young couples and bullying seriously.
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development’s Permanent Secretary, Morshidi Fredrick, said that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of several authorities that are responsible for reviewing laws and providing the necessary input.
“On our part, the government will study the feedback received and consider it at the policy-making level to determine the best way forward,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the National Youth Consultative Council (MPBN) session at Imperial Hotel here today.
Morshidi noted that challenges faced by the local youth, such as early divorces and bullying, are not confined to Sarawak.
“This is not only a Sarawak issue; it is happening across the country. However, we are exploring what can be done at our level to find solutions,” he explained.
He pointed out that statistics show divorce rates are higher among the Muslim community, although other contributing factors must also be taken into account.
“We hope these issues can be tackled more clearly, strategically and effectively,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that while the government recognises the seriousness of the problems, any specific initiative or policy direction would need to be deliberated at the top level.
“For now, I would reserve my comments. Any initiative must first be brought to the minister himself (Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah), as he is the policymaker,” he said.
On the council session, Morshidi described it as an important avenue for stakeholders to raise concerns and share ideas directly with policymakers.
“Many of those present represented youth associations themselves; so, it is vital that we hear directly from them,” he said.
He stated that the platform also enables closer collaboration between the government and the youth, with the state’s Department of Youth and Sports providing continuity in engaging young people.
