KUCHING, April 26: Sarawak still has the highest percentage of teenage pregnancy cases in Malaysia, even though the trend has been declining since 2015.
Kuching Resident’s Office revealed in a press release today that last year, the number of teenage pregnancy cases increased by 23 cases or 1.08 per cent to 2,153 cases compared to 2,130 in 2017.
In Kuching alone, there were 556 such cases in 2018. This figure showed an increase of 184 cases (49.5 per cent) compared to 372 cases in 2017.
The state government has set its Key Performance Index (KPI) to reduce teenage pregnancy case by 10 per cent each year.
As such, the Social Intervention Programme: Sexual Education Awareness and Advocacy held in SMK Penrissen No 1 was the first series of programme to be carried out this year and will be extended to SMK Senibong, Lundu.
Kuching Resident Sherrina Hussaini officiated at the programme held from April 24 to 26, which was participated by students in Form One to Four of SMK Penrissen No 1.
Various activities have been organised, including exhibitions by government agencies such as the police, Prison Department, National Community and Family Development Board, Health Department and public institutions.
In 2018, the programme was held at SMK Lake, SMK Sematan and SMK Lundu. — DayakDaily
