KUALA LUMPUR — Teenage girls who become pregnant outside of marriage will continue to receive support to ensure they can return to school and sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.
“These students must be given every opportunity to continue their education and avoid dropping out of the school system,” she said, as quoted by Bernama.
“They should return to their studies after completing their confinement period. I am very firm on this matter. There can be no shortcuts in life because education is the key to breaking the cycle of violence and rebuilding one’s future. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will usually assist these students in returning to school and ensure they are able to sit for the SPM without disruption to their education,” Fadhlina added in a Facebook post.
The minister stressed that teenage pregnancy should be addressed through a support-, protection- and education-based approach to safeguard the welfare of both mother and child.
Once a pregnancy is identified, Fadhlina advised that the teenager be taken to the nearest health clinic or rural health centre to register for maternal healthcare and open a pregnancy health record, also known as the “pink book”.
“The priority must be the pregnancy and the health of the young girl. The younger the teenager, the greater the risks to both her pregnancy and her health. The government healthcare system is fully equipped and has the expertise to manage these cases,” she said.
She also recommended that parents lodge a police report and arrange counselling support immediately, allowing the teenager to share the full circumstances so that appropriate follow-up action can be taken.
The minister shared a media report of a young mother in Johor who pleaded guilty to causing her baby’s death, calling the case particularly distressing given her previous work establishing Bayt Al-Rahmah, a shelter for girls facing out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
Addressing the challenges faced by parents, including feelings of shame and anger, Fadhlina noted the important role of institutions like Bayt Al-Rahmah in providing a safe environment and protection for expectant mothers until childbirth.
“The government also provides similar support services through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), which offers shelter and protection under government-run institutions,” she said.
Fadhlina highlighted that the post-partum period is critical, with potential risks of depression or other mental health complications if adequate care is not provided. Comprehensive support—including healthcare, breastfeeding assistance, and continuous counselling—is essential to prevent young mothers from becoming overwhelmed.
“There are many young girls out there who are frightened and worried about their pregnancies. What is far more important is that we adopt preventive and supportive approaches when seeking solutions to this social issue. We can save the lives of both mothers and children by acting early, trusting the system rather than social stigma, and building strong support networks within our communities,” she added. – June 4, 2026