LPPKN Channels RM200,000 For Phase One Of Pekerti Programme In Melaka

MELAKA, June 13 (Bernama) -- The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has allocated RM198,520 to implement the Reproductive and Social Health Education Programme (Pekerti) in Melaka for the first phase this year.

Its Director-General Datuk Abdul Shukur Abdullah said the programme would be implemented in collaboration with the state government to identify schools requiring special attention in addressing youth-related issues through various initiatives under the KafeTEEN Friends Club.

“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the Pekerti Programme will be implemented over a five-year period beginning in the middle of this year, and Melaka is the first state to roll it out, with an initial involvement of 12 schools before it is expanded to other schools.

“Among the common issues involving youths today are out-of-wedlock pregnancies, sexual misconduct and underage marriage conflicts. If we are able to identify the schools, areas and communities involved, the programmes to be implemented can be more accurately targeted,” he told reporters at the LPPKN Melaka Family Centre here last night.

He said this after officiating the Festival Malam Kita 2026 @ KafeTEEN Melaka, which was also attended by the state Executive Councillor for Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Kalsom Noordin and LPPKN Melaka Director Suszma Khairitszi Mamat.

Abdul Shukur said the Pekerti Programme also aims to produce more youth leaders, including an icon among teenagers who will serve as educators on reproductive and social health issues affecting their peers.

He said that based on current observations on social media, there are teenage girls openly discussing sexual issues without adequate knowledge or understanding.

Earlier, he said Festival Malam Kita 2026 @ KafeTEEN Melaka is one of the initiatives under the ‘edutainment’ approach implemented by KafeTEEN Melaka to engage teenagers in a more relaxed, creative and relevant manner.

He said the programme also helps nurture young entrepreneurs while enhancing participants’ social, emotional and communication skills.

Meanwhile, Kalsom said Festival Malam Kita 2026 @ KafeTEEN Melaka is seen as an ideal platform to engage, educate and assist teenagers facing various reproductive and social health issues.

“The state government always welcomes the organisation of programmes such as this and will continue to work closely with LPPKN in efforts to assist, educate and provide the necessary support to teenagers in need,” she said.

-- BERNAMA