Sarawak plans to enforce 18 as the legal marriage age to curb a sharp rise in teen pregnancies across the state.
KUCHING: The Sarawak state government is set to introduce legislation mandating that both males and females must be at least 18 years old before they can legally marry.
The push comes after alarming data revealed that the state recorded 1,770 cases of teenage pregnancies in the previous year alone.
Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (pic), the state’s Minister for Women, Family Development and Community Wellbeing, confirmed the move during a ministry-level meeting held to address the growing concern.
“We are seeing a worrying trend across many districts in Sarawak, and it is clear that action is needed,” Fatimah stated.
The state’s Social Welfare Department, which falls under her ministry, has begun the groundwork in drafting the proposed legislation.
The problem is not confined to one region. Fatimah noted that the increase in teen pregnancies has been recorded in both urban and rural areas, with districts such as Sibu in central Sarawak, Telang Usan in northern Sarawak, and Samarahan in the south all flagged as areas of concern.
Young mothers, particularly those who are unmarried, often bear the brunt of the consequences.
These include interrupted education, limited employment opportunities, and a range of physical and emotional health challenges.
Financial strain and difficulties in housing and family matters also compound the issue.
However, the road to enforcing this law may not be straightforward.
Fatimah acknowledged that certain ethnic communities hold traditional views that permit marriages at flexible — and sometimes very young — ages, which could present a cultural challenge to the new policy.
To navigate this sensitively, the ministry is currently engaging in in-depth discussions with leaders of various ethnic groups and religious organisations.
Only after these consultations are completed will the proposed law be brought before the state cabinet and the state legislative assembly for approval.
