Sarawak has recorded a 48% reduction in teenage pregnancies over the past decade, but continues to rank highest in Malaysia, prompting strengthened intervention measures from the state government.
State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said although cases have fallen to about 2,000 last year, the issue remains serious.
To ensure consistent progress, the ministry has set a mandatory Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requiring a 10% annual decrease in teenage pregnancies.
The OSTPC, involving the ministry, Sarawak Health Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and NGO representative Don Hobbs, was formed to address the issue comprehensively through education, health, welfare, safety, and human capital development.
From January to September 2025, Sarawak recorded a 10.6% reduction compared to the same period last year.
Key findings from the meeting:
- Over 50% of cases involved teenagers aged 18–19, who would likely have completed Form Five.
- Pregnant teens by ethnicity: Iban (51%), Malay (24%), Bidayuh (7%).
- 416 referrals made to OSTPC this year (down from 463 last year).
Fatimah also expressed concerns over a rise in rape cases linked to online interactions, especially via platforms such as WeChat, WhatsApp, and the online game PUBG.
Statutory rape remains a major contributor, with most perpetrators known to the victims — including boyfriends, relatives, and acquaintances.
Moving forward, OSTPC will collaborate with the Health Department and other agencies to revise and merge existing intervention modules for better implementation in 2026, with strategies tailored based on divisional needs.
Also present were her deputy, Datuk Rosey Yunus, and senior officials.
