Teen pregnancy cases show slight rise, says Noraini

KUALA LUMPUR: Teen pregnancy cases continue to show a slight increase as over 2,700 cases have been reported annually over the past two years, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad (pic).

She told the Dewan Rakyat that 2,737 teenage pregnancy cases were reported in 2023 and 2,752 cases in 2024, an increase of 15 cases or 0.5%.

“Preliminary data from January to March 2025 recorded 655 cases of teenage pregnancy among those under 18,” she said during Question Time.

Sarawak recorded the highest number of cases for both years, followed by Sabah and Pahang, said Noraini.

She cited a 2015 Medical Journal of Malaysia review that identified limited access to comprehensive reproductive health education as a main cause.

This could mean many teenagers do not clearly understand how to prevent unplanned pregnancies, she explained.

Noraini said the finding is supported by the 2019 LPPKN survey on adolescent reproductive and social health risk and protective factors.

She added that a 2020 Malaysian Journal of Psychology study listed peer pressure and media influence as contributing factors, especially exposure to openly sexual content.

“This can shape norms and perceptions that encourage teenagers to try or experiment,” said Noraini.

“From a socioeconomic perspective, poverty, school dropout and lack of employment opportunities also increase vulnerability,” she added, saying that family background and lifestyle can contribute to risky sexual behaviour.

Noraini then said that the ministry urges agencies to collaborate to strengthen and expand holistic initiatives to improve adolescent well-being in Malaysia.