SIBU: Community and ethnic leaders in Sarawak have been urged to play an active role in preventing child marriage and ensure children continue to have access to education through completion of schooling.
Sarawak Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said community leaders such as tuai rumah, penghulu, pemanca and temenggung held significant influence within their communities and were on the frontline in identifying and addressing issues affecting children, including early marriage.
"If they marry at a young age, they will generally leave school and not complete Form Five. We want them to continue their education as it provides better employment opportunities and helps them escape the cycle of poverty," she said.
She told reporters this after opening the Convention on Awareness of Children's Rights: Issues of Child Marriage in Central Sarawak Zone here on Monday (June 15).
"In Sarawak, marriages fall into three categories: civil marriage, marriages under the Islamic Religious Department, and customary marriage. In customary practices, community leaders play a crucial role, especially in cases involving underage individuals," she said.
Fatimah also urged parents to remain vigilant against persuasion and exploitation, which are among the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and early marriage.
"Awareness among families and communities is crucial to ensure children are not easily influenced or become victims of irresponsible parties," she said.
Fatimah said marriage and pregnancy at a young age not only disrupt teenagers' education but also pose greater health risks to both mother and child due to incomplete physical development.
She said the state government is stepping up prevention measures through the One Stop Teenage Pregnancy (OSTP) Committee, which offers a range of support and assistance to teenagers dealing with unplanned pregnancies. - Bernama
