KUCHING: The government has been urged to collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to address the worrying trend of teenage pregnancy in Sarawak, which has been ranked second highest in the country.
Purplelily chairperson Suraya Bujang said it is necessary for the government and NGOs to work together to implement comprehensive and age-appropriate sex education in schools, ensuring that both girls and boys receive accurate information about sexual health, contraception, and the consequences of early pregnancies.
Additionally, she said, there should be separate sessions for girls and boys.
“We need a holistic approach to reproductive health by involving parents in sex education programmes as well as conducting community outreach programmes,” she said.
Purplelily, for instance, conducts workshops to inform parents about their responsibility to educate and engage in conversations with their children about sexual orientation and safe touch.
The government and other relevant agencies, she said, can also look into engaging community leaders, religious figures, and local influencers to support awareness campaigns and encourage responsible behaviour.
She was commenting on the rising number of teen pregnancies in Sarawak, which is a cause for concern as the state has recorded a 9.1 per cent in adolescent pregnancy and has ranked second top nationwide, after Kelantan (9.5 per cent).
According to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, based on the reported cases, about 88 per cent of the teens aged between 13 and 18 years were found to have engaged in sexual activity – but they were not fully informed about contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
As of October this year, Sarawak recorded 1,760 teen pregnancies while there have been four baby dumping cases with the latest case of a 14-year-old girl abandoning her new-born daughter on Nov 29.
Suraya said it is also necessary to raise awareness about available healthcare services and work towards reducing the stigma associated with seeking reproductive health support among teenagers.
“Besides preventing teenage pregnancy, we need to provide information where (pregnant) teenagers can seek help and emphasising the importance of avoiding illegal abortion, attempts to terminate pregnancies as well as baby dumping,” she said.
More support is needed for vulnerable groups, particularly teenagers from low-income families or those in marginalised communities, to address the social determinants of teenage pregnancies.
She also suggested to conduct research on the specific needs of these groups and share findings with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and NGOs to collaboratively develop appropriate training approaches for teenagers.
In Purplelily’s Girls’ camp, she said, the focus is on empowering teenagers with essential life skills, encompassing decision-making, communication, sexual education, and critical thinking.
This approach aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make well-informed choices in various aspects of their lives.
“We welcome the government’s move to work with us as well as to address the issue promptly,” she added.
