Number of unmarried mothers in Sarawak on the rise

The number of unmarried mothers in Sarawak had increased by over 35 percent in the last four years as 1,658 cases were recorded last year compared to 1,223 cases in 2009.

State Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah today said the figure, gathered from the three major hospitals in Sarawak, reflected a worrying trend that must be given serious attention.

"The implications on these unmarried mothers are not only confined to their health state as most of them are just too young to give birth... as young as 13. They are also facing social stigma," she said at a Mothers' Day gathering organised by Sarawak Single Mothers Association (PITSA) here.

Fatimah said it was crucial for the young generation to be properly guided in dealing with their relationship with the opposite sex.

"I know it's not going to be easy to do this, especially if you are a single mother. While the government prepares special schemes to assist them, the role of the society is also important to help them," she said.

Meanwhile, Fatimah also proposed to families to consider setting up special fund should they have elderly single mother at home.

The fund similar to that of their children education fund could ease their burden in looking after their elderly mothers and as an appreciation to the sacrifices made by their mothers, she said.

"With better dietary and medical facilities brought about by the development in our country, the average lifespan of women had increased and from this trend, we can expect that the number of elderly single mothers would also increased," she added.