KUCHING, 1 February 2025 – A landmark step in Malaysia’s commitment to support teenage pregnancy was taken today with the launch of Dawn Hope: A Safe Haven for Girls in Need, the first-ever transit shelter of its kind in Sarawak.
This pioneering initiative, established by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS), and fully funded by the Ministry of Finance for 9 months, provides a secure refuge and rehabilitation for vulnerable young mothers and their babies, offering essential support such as healthcare, counselling and skills training to rebuild their lives.
Officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy binti Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, the launch marks a crucial advancement in efforts to assist girls in need and address the issues of teenage pregnancies and baby abandonment in Malaysia, which disproportionately affect young girls in rural and underserved communities.
“The launch of ‘Dawn Hope’ reflects our collective commitment to supporting young mothers on their journey to stability and independence,” said Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of Yayasan Sime Darby. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that every resident receives the support needed to reintegrate into society with confidence. We also aim to address the critical social issues of prevention of teenage pregnancies and baby abandonment by providing a safe space, education opportunities, and awareness programmes.”
The transit shelter will offer essential services, including healthcare, mental health support, counselling, education assistance, and vocational training, ensuring that these girls remain in school and are provided employability skills for them to have a better future.
This programme is a key initiative of Program SINAR YSD (Sokongan Inklusif Autisme, Remaja, dan Komuniti Rentan), a nationwide programme fully funded by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) under the Belanjawan 2025 initiative. Through a RM5 million matching grant, YSD is working with multiple NGOs to expand social support systems for vulnerable communities, including pregnant teenagers and children living with autism.
Manjeet Kaur Sidhu, President of PPIS who is also a recipient of Tokoh Wanita Sarawak 2023 and Anugerah Kasih Wanita 2024, emphasised the critical role of Dawn Hope in addressing teenage pregnancy issues in Sarawak.
“PPIS is deeply grateful to YSD and MOF for their invaluable support in amplifying our decade-long efforts to empower women and girls in Sarawak. This funding presents a significant opportunity to accelerate our mission of providing a safe haven and the essential care for girls in need. Together with YSD, we are committed to ensuring the good governance and best practices are implemented for our transit shelter, creating a lasting impact for those we serve.”
Speaking at the event, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy binti Shukri highlighted the impact of Dawn Hope as part of collective efforts to address the needs of young mothers, providing them with care and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
“Dawn Hope is more than a transit shelter—it is a catalyst for change. It provides young mothers with protection, healthcare, mental health support, counselling, and parenting guidance, ensuring they receive the care needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. This initiative also strengthens intervention efforts to equip them with education and vocational skills, giving them a real chance at a stable and independent future.”
The establishment of Dawn Hope signifies a paradigm shift in how Malaysia supports young mothers in crisis, proving that with the right intervention, vulnerable communities can thrive, not just survive.
