KUCHING: Sarawak has achieved its target of reducing teenage pregnancies among girls by ten per cent.
In disclosing this, Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said there was a 10.6 per cent decrease in teenage pregnancies from January to September 30 this year, compared to the same period in 2024.
“This means we have successfully achieved our KPI,” she said during a press conference after the Sarawak One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee (OSTPC) meeting here on Wednesday.
On the other hand Fatimah emphasised the need for a comprehensive support system for teenagers who are already pregnant, including counselling, post-natal support, access to education, protection services and family guidance.
“This support system is not meant to encourage teenage pregnancy. It is specifically to help those who are already pregnant.
“We want to help them start a new chapter in life, guided by the principle that every individual deserves a second chance,” she added.
Meanwhile, police statistics showed an increase in sexual crime cases involving teenagers, rising from 10 cases in 2024 to 17 cases in 2025, a 70 per cent increase.
This surge has been attributed to teenagers’ interactions on social media platforms such as WeChat, WhatsApp, Omi, online games and similar channels.
Next year, the ministry will focus on enhancing the Sexual Education Advocacy Awareness (KAPS) programme module together with the Sarawak Health Department, strengthening engagement with NGOs, and implementing sexual education programmes for parents.
