The Sarawak state government’s proposal to set the minimum age of marriage at 18 as part of wider efforts to curb early marriages and teenage pregnancies, and to safeguard the health and future of young people, must be supported and adopted.
As highlighted by Fatimah Abdullah, the Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Well-Being Development, early marriage is closely linked to significant reproductive, mental, and social risks for adolescents.
From a health standpoint, adolescent pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes for both mother and baby, including higher risks of pregnancy and childbirth complications, and knock-on effects such as dropping out of school, reduced life opportunities, and intergenerational poverty.
The Galen Centre supports Sarawak’s intent to standardise a minimum marriage age of 18 across the state’s legal frameworks, comprising civil, syariah, and customary law.
Exceptions should not undermine protections for children and adolescents. This is an important, evidence-based step that aligns with public health priorities: delaying pregnancy until adulthood, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and enabling young people to remain in education and develop the skills needed for stable livelihoods.
A clear minimum age must be paired with practical prevention measures to reduce teenage pregnancy and strengthen adolescent well-being. Underage marriages are not necessary and are harmful, particularly for girls.
In support of this proposal, we urge the state government and relevant agencies to accelerate and strengthen:
- Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, including confidential counselling and access to contraception and antenatal care when needed.
- Keeping adolescents in school and engaged, with targeted support for at-risk students and pathways into training and employment.
- Comprehensive, age-appropriate reproductive and social education for adolescents and parents, building on existing initiatives and community engagement.
- Stronger safeguarding and referral systems, linking health, education, welfare, and protection services to prevent coercion, abuse, and exploitation.
Azrul Mohd Khalib is the chief executive of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
