KUCHING: Sarawak first-ever ‘Dawn Hope’ facility is more than just a transit shelter, said Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said that it is a sanctuary for young girls to heal, learn, and rebuild their lives.
“Here, they will receive essential support including protection, healthcare, mental health services, counselling, and parenting guidance.
“We want these young mothers to regain their confidence and step into the future with dignity and strength,” she said when officiating at the launching of ‘Dawn Hope: A Safe Haven for Girls in Need’ at Grand Margherita Hotel here Saturday (Feb 1).
Nancy added that while immediate interventions are crucial, it is also important to acknowledge that not all teenage pregnancies are the same.
“Some occur within legal and traditional marriages, while others result from vulnerabilities that require urgent attention.
“Our response must be balanced, firm in addressing the challenges, yet compassionate in providing support,” she said.
She also shared statistics on teenage pregnancies outside of marriage in Sarawak during a press conference after the event.
“In 2023, there were 477 reported cases, and in 2024, the number decreased to 364, reflecting a reduction of 113 cases.
“In total, for Sarawak, from 2023 to 2024, there were 841 reported cases, highlighting the urgent need for a support system,” she said.
She added that Miri recorded 204 cases between 2023 and 2024, Bintulu had 195 cases, and Kuching reported 133 cases.
However, she said that these are only the cases that have been officially recorded as some incidents may have gone unreported.
“Looking at the statistics, we observe an increase in cases in Kuching, rising from 64 to 69, Samarahan from 27 to 30, Serian from six to nine, Sri Aman from one to six, Mukah from nine to 10, and Limbang from 20 to 21.
“On the other hand, some areas showed a decline in numbers. Bintulu decreased from 104 to 91, Miri from 113 to 91, Sibu from 74 to 28, Betong from 16 to seven, Kapit from 32 to two, and Sarikei saw a significant drop from 11 to zero,” she said.
Meanwhile, Yayasan Sime Darby chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said the shelter serves as a temporary transit facility where young mothers typically stay for three to four months.
“During this time, they receive healthcare and participate in various programmes. Once the baby is born, a decision is made on whether the mother will continue to care for the child.
“The mothers also receive necessary training during their stay and even after leaving the shelter, they continue to receive support, whether they are with their families or elsewhere,” she said.
She added that the programme is designed to assist as many young mothers as possible, and while the shelter is located in Kuching, it caters to individuals from across Sarawak.
“Our goal is to reach out to more individuals who may be afraid to seek help. We want to assure them that their privacy will be protected, and their identities will remain confidential.
“They should not hesitate to come forward if they need assistance. This support is available even after childbirth, including during their confinement period,” she said.
