Hishammuddin's return, teen pregnancy surge among highlights in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: Former federal minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s first appearance in the Dewan Rakyat in more than a year, along with the disclosure of rising teen pregnancy numbers, were among the highlights of today’s sitting.

During the question-and-answer session, Hishammuddin asked the health minister about steps to address shortages and rising prices of essential medicines, including those for chronic illnesses.

He also sought details on long-term plans to reduce reliance on imports by strengthening local pharmaceutical production and ensuring affordable access to medicines.

According to the Hansard, this was his first intervention in the House since July 1 last year, when he raised a supplementary question on proactive measures to implement the rationalisation of diesel and RON95 subsidies.

Hishammuddin, 63, a former defence minister and former Umno vice-president, was suspended from the party for six years from Jan 27, 2023, following recommendations by its disciplinary board.

He previously said he would not appeal the decision, as he remained unclear about the reasons behind it.

In June this year, Sembrong Umno renewed its call for the leadership to lift his suspension unconditionally.

Later, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said 41,842 teen pregnancies were recorded between 2020 and 2024.

The figures were based on births by those under 19 at government healthcare facilities.

About half of the cases involved Malay teenagers, followed by 11 per cent Iban, 9 per cent Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, 5 per cent Chinese and 3 per cent Indian, with the remainder from other groups.

“Efforts to address this issue have been implemented through initiatives covering reproductive health education, counselling and community support,” she said.

Nancy was responding to Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN–Parit Buntar), who asked about the number of unmarried teenage pregnancies by ethnicity from 2020 to now, and the measures in place to prevent and address the issue.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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