Kota Kinabalu: The State Government remains committed to addressing early and child marriage through a series of proactive, community-based programmes aimed at protecting the future of youth, particularly in rural areas.
Assistant Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR) Datuk Flovia Ng, said that despite ongoing challenges, the Government has been actively implementing outreach and awareness initiatives since 2023, targeting vulnerable communities across the State.
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Speaking at the Sabah State Population Seminar 2025, held at the Federal Government Administration Complex Auditorium here in conjunction with World Population Day.
Flovia said early marriage continues to be one of Sabah’s most pressing social issues.
“This is no longer a distant issue. These demographic challenges are real, and they are happening now. We must respond collectively and urgently,” she said.
Among the key government-led initiatives is the Child Marriage Issue Programme (Mipa), organised by the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa), which has reached over 1,000 participants across Tongod, Tenom, Nabawan, Ranau, Telupid and Kota Belud.
“These programmes educate children, families and the wider community about the dangers of child marriage, promote reproductive health awareness, and strengthen family resilience,” she said.
Flovia noted that poverty, lack of education, and cultural pressures remain major contributing factors, and tackling them requires a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach.
She also highlighted that Sabah’s fertility rate has declined to 1.5 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1, raising red flags about population balance and the long-term implications of an ageing society.
“To address this, we need robust social systems that support not only youth development but also elder care, including age-friendly healthcare and sustainable family structures,” she said.
Flovia called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, engagement with civil society and more inclusive policies that empower youth with the knowledge and tools to make informed life decisions.
“The government cannot act alone. Success depends on cooperation with NGOs, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders,” she said.
Themed ‘Early Marriage Trends in Sabah – Its Impact on Marriage Institutions’, the seminar aimed to spark cross-sector dialogue and provide meaningful policy input to address Sabah’s evolving demographic realities.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary of the KPMKR Henry Idol, heads of federal and state departments and students from various educational institutions.
Flovia expressed hope that the seminar would help shape long-term, inclusive policies focused on children, youth and family well-being as the foundation of a resilient and balanced population.
