Latest news with #SMKBukitAssek
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Comprehensive sex education key to reducing teen pregnancies, says Sibu Resident
Guests and participants pictured during the launch of the programme at SMK Bukit Assek. SIBU (June 19): Comprehensive and continuous sex education should be prioritised in efforts to address teenage pregnancy in Sarawak, as abstinence-only approaches have proven to be less effective, said Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. He noted that studies show over 80 per cent of teenagers obtain information about sex from peers and the internet, rather than from parents, teachers, or medical professionals. 'This underscores the need for structured sexuality education – not merely telling them 'don't do it' or relying on scare tactics. 'We must equip teenagers with knowledge and values, so they understand the consequences of their actions,' he said. Abang Mohamad's remarks were delivered by his representative Macgyver Boi during the official launch of the 'Social Intervention Programme: Sexual Education Awareness and Advocacy (KAPS) for Sibu Division 2025' programme, held at SMK Bukit Assek here yesterday. He also noted that in tackling teenage pregnancy, the Sarawak government has set a key performance indicator (KPI) to reduce the number of such cases by 10 per cent annually compared to the previous year. According to data from the Sarawak State Health Department, the number of teenage pregnancies has consistently declined from 3,866 cases in 2012 to 2,000 in 2024 – a reduction of 48.3 per cent. The proportion of teenage pregnancies relative to new antenatal cases also fell from 9.1 per cent to 7.2 per cent over the same period. However, Abang Mohamad acknowledged a slight increase in 2024, with teenage pregnancies accounting for 7.2 per cent of new antenatal cases compared to 6.6 per cent in 2023. 'Data from 2024 shows that 90.6 per cent (1,812 cases) of pregnant teenagers were aged 16 and above, while 96.1 per cent (1,922 cases) were no longer attending school at the time of pregnancy. 'Additionally, 63.6 per cent (1,271 cases) of the pregnancies occurred among unmarried teens,' he said. By division, Kuching recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies with 482 cases, followed by Bintulu (320), Miri (302), Sibu (261), and Samarahan (119). In terms of percentage, however, Kapit recorded the highest incidence at 12.9 per cent, followed by Bintulu (9 per cent), Serian (8.3 per cent), Samarahan (8.3 per cent), and Miri (7.7 per cent). Furthermore, Abang Mohamad stressed the importance of programmes like KAPS, which was implemented by the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) under the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) since 2016 in collaboration with the One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee (OSTPC). 'A total of 75 KAPS sessions have been held statewide since 2016, contributing to a significant 45.07 per cent drop in teenage pregnancies among school-going girls – from 142 cases in 2016 to 78 in 2024. 'Since last year, the programme has also been expanded to selected primary schools through pilot initiatives,' he added. Abang Mohamad also warned that teenage pregnancy could lead to long-term consequences, such as social stigma, poor academic performance, health issues, and poverty. 'It not only denies young girls their right to a better life, but also risks trapping them in a cycle of vulnerability and disadvantage.' He expressed hope that the implementation of KAPS in Sibu Division would yield positive outcomes in shaping knowledgeable, morally upright, and responsible students. Also present were KPWK permanent secretary representative Fauziah Keepli and SMK Bukit Assek principal Abdul Rahman Abdullah @ Nicholas. Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman lead sex education Sibu teen pregnancy
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep rewards 49 SPM high achievers with RM10,800 in incentives
Top scorer Divine Dnurani Nagi Julia receives her award from Chieng for achieving 9As in SPM 2024 during the SPM 2024 Student Excellence Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony. Also seen are Lau (left) and Doreen Tiong. SIBU (May 15): A total of 49 students from Bukit Assek who scored 5As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination were awarded cash incentives today in recognition of their academic achievements. The awards were presented by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek at the SPM 2024 Student Excellence Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony at SMK Bukit Assek here today. 'This is a remarkable improvement from last year when only 13 students achieved 5As or more. The increase reflects stronger academic performance and greater support from families and schools,' he said A total of RM10,800 was disbursed this year—up from RM3,900 in 2023—as part of Chieng's education incentive programme. He also announced a revised incentive structure for the 2024 SPM candidates: RM100 for scoring 5As, with an additional RM100 for every A beyond that. 'For example, a student who scores 9As will receive RM500. It's both a reward and a motivation to push for higher results,' he explained. Chieng credited the success to the collective efforts of students, teachers, and parents. He emphasised that academic excellence is the result of a supportive learning environment and strong community values. He urged this year's Form Five students to draw inspiration from the recipients and aim high. 'To those who received awards today—this is just the beginning. Stay focused, stay humble, and keep striving for success,' he said. The ceremony concluded with Chieng thanking teachers and parents for their dedication while calling for continued collaboration to elevate education standards in Bukit Assek. Meanwhile, SMK Bukit Assek's senior assistant Lau Chik Kong also congratulated the students and highlighted the school's improved academic performance. 'Our school's Grade Point Average (GPA) has improved to 3.99 in SPM 2024, compared to 4.94 in 2023. All 15 subjects offered showed improvement,' said Lau in his speech. He cited subjects such as Chemistry, which improved significantly from 4.00 to 1.43, Biology (from 4.79 to 3.62), and Mathematics (from 7.14 to 3.81) as evidence of overall academic progress. Out of the 182 students who sat for the exam, four achieved 9As, six scored 8As, eight got 7As, nine earned 6As, and 22 students secured 5As. 'These achievements are the result of the dedication of our teachers, support from parents and guardians, and the commitment of our students,' he said. Lau also thanked Chieng for his continued support and encouragement, adding that the incentive programme not only motivates students but also fosters a culture of excellence in the school community. Bukit Assek joseph chieng lead SPM 2024 top scorers
