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MALAYSIA recorded 21,114 pregnancies among unmarried teenagers aged 19 and below from 2019 to 2024, according to data provided by the Health Ministry and cited by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Nancy said the government has been actively addressing the issue through a range of initiatives under the ministry, notably the development of the Reproductive and Social Health Education Policy and Action Plan, known as PEKERTI.
“This initiative is aimed at raising awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of reproductive health education and at cultivating a responsible and resilient society.
“Under this action plan, the development of positive and safe reproductive health skills is emphasised through both formal school education and non-formal programmes outside school,” she stated in a written reply on the Parliament website.
Nancy was responding to a question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) regarding the number of teenage pregnancies among unmarried youth by age, gender and ethnicity from 2019 to 2025.
She highlighted that PEKERTI involves coordinated efforts across multiple ministries through the National Social Council platform, including implementation at higher education institutions, expanded community outreach, and intensified activities, promotions, and advocacy on reproductive and social health education.
In addition, the ministry, through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), provides targeted support for teenagers via KafeTEEN Youth Centres and the KafeTEEN Friends Programme in schools.
“KafeTEEN is an LPPKN initiative that offers guidance and education to youth to foster positive physical, mental and social well-being. Access to youth support services is currently expanded through 18 KafeTEEN Centres, one mobile KafeTEEN truck, and community-based programmes offering reproductive health clinic services and psychosocial counselling,” she said.
The expansion also includes training peer educators under the KafeTEEN Club, now operating in 143 secondary schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Looking ahead, Nancy said the government will launch a new National Family Policy and Action Plan to strengthen family institutions as a foundation for social stability.
“Among the key pillars is empowering family planning through strengthening the role of parents and teenagers. Efforts to curb unmarried teenage pregnancies must be pursued collectively by all stakeholders for the welfare and future of our youth,” she said. - February 11, 2026