Shocking Figures! Nearly 17,000 Teenage Pregnancies Recorded in Recent Years: KPWKM Strengthens PEKERTI Education

Putrajaya, El Sky News – Teenage pregnancy outside of marriage in Malaysia has reached alarming levels, with recent data from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) revealing that nearly 17,000 girls under the age of 19 were recorded as pregnant without a legal marital union between 2020 and 2024.

This startling figure is not just a statistic but reflects a serious social and public health issue, affecting the well-being of young individuals and placing additional strain on social support systems.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development emphasized that this trend requires immediate and coordinated action from multiple stakeholders.

Strengthening Preventive Education

To curb the rising cases, the government, through KPWKM, is intensifying on-the-ground preventive initiatives. The primary strategy is the empowerment of the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEKERTI) program.

PEKERTI aims to provide holistic and factual knowledge to teenagers regarding:

• Risks and Consequences: Information about the dangers of early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and long-term social and psychological impacts.
• Values and Skills: Developing responsible decision-making, personal boundary setting, and understanding moral values.

This approach is seen as vital in equipping teenagers with accurate knowledge, helping them avoid risky behaviours.

KafeTEEN: Support and Counseling Hub

Beyond formal education, KPWKM relies on KafeTEEN Youth Centres as front-line facilities for emotional support and counseling.

KafeTEEN serves as a safe and confidential one-stop centre where teenagers can access:

• Professional Counseling: Psychological support for at-risk youth or those already facing pregnancy-related issues.
• Early Intervention Sessions: Guidance programs to strengthen mental and emotional health and build resilience.

These centres play a crucial role in providing safety nets, ensuring that vulnerable teenagers receive the support they need without judgment, and offering opportunities for recovery and future planning.

The government calls on parents, guardians, and the broader community to avoid stigmatizing this issue and to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure teenagers receive the best education and support for a healthier and more prosperous future for Malaysia.