KUCHING: The state of Sarawak is increasing its efforts to prevent teenage pregnancies after a baby dumping incident involving an underage girl. State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah expressed concern over the recent case of a 14-year-old girl abandoning her newborn daughter last week. The infant was discovered in Bandar Baru Semariang and taken to the Sarawak General Hospital on November 29. The teenager and an 18-year-old boy have been taken into custody in connection with the case.
Fatimah, speaking at a press conference on Monday (Dec 4), emphasized the importance of reducing teenage pregnancies and the implications for both the young mothers and the babies. This case is the fourth reported baby dumping incident in the state this year, following six cases last year and 10 in 2021. As of October this year, Sarawak recorded 1,760 teen pregnancies, compared to 1,536 cases in the whole of last year.
To address these concerning figures, Fatimah outlined plans for increased awareness and preventive programs in schools and communities. This will include initiatives such as the sexual education awareness and advocacy program (KAPS) and social development dialogues. KAPS will be targeted at students, parent-teacher associations, community leaders, and school dropouts to address the issue.
The ministry also operates a one-stop teenage pregnancy center to provide help and support to pregnant girls, while the Welfare Department’s Taman Sri Puteri facility offers a safe place for pregnant girls to be cared for until they give birth. Fatimah encouraged parents and caregivers of pregnant girls to seek assistance and guidance from the Welfare Department, Sarawak Women and Family Department, or non-governmental organizations.
