by Amanda L
KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak is intensifying efforts to safeguard its youth amid rising social concerns, with authorities reporting an increase in both bullying cases and teenage pregnancies across the State.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said police records showed a total of 107 bullying incidents over the past four years, with this year registering the highest figure of 36 cases between January and October.
“This is a significant rise compared with 15 cases in 2024, 20 in 2023, and 14 in 2022.
“The upward trend underscores the need for stronger intervention and preventive measures, particularly in schools and community spaces,” she said during her ministerial winding-up speech at the Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
To strengthen early response, Fatimah highlighted the ‘Wacana Bestari: Isu Buli Dalam Kalangan Kanak-Kanak’ programme held on September 27, which brought together 150 participants with support from the State education department, police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, health department, Henry Gurney School Puncak Borneo, and local NGOs. The initiative aims to improve public understanding of bullying, clarify the roles of enforcement and support agencies, and enhance the ability of communities and schools to act as frontline protectors for children.
In addition, the State is expanding sexual education and advocacy programmes to address persistent teenage pregnancy issues. Fatimah noted that the One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee has been conducting sexual education awareness programmes in secondary schools and through community-based Randau Pembangunan Sosial sessions since 2016.
The initiative was broadened in 2024 with a pilot rollout to primary schools, marking the first formal inclusion of younger students in preventive education. From 2024 to November 2025, a total of 21 Awareness and Advocacy for Sexual Education (KAPS) sessions reached 4,865 students.
“The expansion aims to improve understanding of sexual health, encourage responsible decision-making, and equip young people with accurate information at an earlier age,” she said, emphasising that continued engagement with schools, parents, and community leaders is key to ensuring timely support for adolescents confronting social or health-related challenges.
Fatimah also pointed out that sustained multi-agency cooperation remains crucial as Sarawak faces increasingly complex social risks affecting young people. —DayakDaily
