GSS and YSD shelter Seri Murni supports pregnant Sabah teens; program raises awareness on sexual risks
KOTA KINABALU: A collaboration between Good Shepherd Services (GSS) and Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has established Pusat Jagaan Seri Murni, a facility that has provided care for four pregnant teenagers facing difficult circumstances.
Leanne Hong who serves as assistant executive director at GSS, explained that many young women arrive at the shelter after discovering their pregnancies and finding themselves without adequate support systems.
“Many seek us out to escape judgment from their communities. We provide them with the assistance they require,” Hong stated.
“Our care extends through their entire pregnancy until hospital delivery. Throughout their time with us, we prioritise proper diet and psychological support. Various programs help address their emotional needs and psychological wellness,” she explained to theSun.
Hong’s remarks came during the unveiling of “Before 19, Pathways to Prevention: Teenage Pregnancy in Sabah,” a publication highlighting the pressing challenge of adolescent pregnancy in the region.
The event at Walai Good Shepherd Kota Kinabalu included GSS director Dr. Janie Liew-Tsonis and YSD chief executive officer Dr. Yatela Zainal Abidin.
Hong noted that the facility has fielded more than 60 inquiries from young people and their families requesting assistance or information regarding services for expectant adolescents since operations commenced.
“We’ve also heard from people dealing with family violence who want to know about refuge options,” she stated.
Each resident receives individualised case management upon arrival, Hong described, including therapeutic sessions and customized care strategies covering both pregnancy and the period following birth.
“Most frequently, these young women opt to raise their children and eventually reunite with their families. Some remain at our facility for additional weeks before moving in with relatives,” she noted.
In her address at the publication launch, Dr. Yatela highlighted how the YSD-GSS partnership has substantially enhanced services for at-risk young women through a secure, organised, and nurturing space for those facing emergencies.
“Seri Murni extends beyond simple accommodation, delivering therapeutic support, practical skills training, and restored self-assurance that enables these young women to reconstruct their futures,” Yatela remarked.
She described YSD’s ongoing Child Safety and Protection Programme, which educates parents and caregivers about child welfare, digital threats, and social media hazards.
“I’m pleased to report that from June through September 2025, more than 2,000 pupils showed substantial improvement in their knowledge. They’ve developed stronger comprehension of online predatory behavior and social media risks. Caregivers have likewise gained better tools for teaching their children about secure internet practices, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness,” she said.
Zevlyn Dusi, an educator at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Kiulu participating in the initiative, noted that YSD’s effort has significantly enlightened parents about how sexual dangers can emerge unexpectedly in various settings.
Zevlyn urged caregivers to initiate frank discussions about these matters with their children early on.
“When young people recognise appropriate and inappropriate situations, they develop the ability to refuse unwanted advances and voice concerns when someone attempts to exploit them,” she explained.
