Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and a very good afternoon. 

1. It is with great pleasure that I join you today to mark an important milestone under Program SINAR YSD, a national initiative supported by the MADANI government Belanjawan 2025. Program SINAR YSD stands for “Sokongan Inklusif Autisme, Remaja, dan Komuniti Rentan”, and reflects our shared responsibility to uphold compassion, dignity and protection for vulnerable communities across Malaysia. 
2. This afternoon, I am honoured to launch “Before 19, Pathways to Prevention: Teenage Pregnancy in Sabah”, a coffee table book that recognises the courage of young women, families, and community frontliners, as well as the steadfast dedication of Good Shepherd Services and local leaders. More than a compilation of stories, it is a public advocacy tool that invites us to listen closely, confront difficult realities, and act earlier with greater wisdom and care.
3. Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) is the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad.  Since 2008, YSD has contributed more than RM107 million through 29 initiatives in Sabah, focusing on education, public health and environmental conservation, with communities at the heart of each effort. 

4. In 2024, Program SINAR YSD was introduced with an allocation of RM5 million to strengthen social resilience nationwide. The programme supports teenage mothers and girls at risk, children with autism, and families facing stigma and systemic barriers. By September 2025, nearly 17,000 individuals had benefitted, and we are on track to reach more than 20,000 individuals by the end of the year through the dedication of 10 project partners working across 11 states, including Sabah.

   Ladies and gentlemen, 

5. Program SINAR YSD is building a network of care across Malaysia. In Sarawak, Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS) runs the state’s first transit shelter for pregnant teenagers. IDEAS Autism Centre and Early Autism Project Malaysia are expanding access to early intervention and autism-inclusive support. I-Medik and OrphanCare Foundation are strengthening reproductive health awareness and teenage pregnancy prevention among students, counsellors and school communities. In Kelantan, YSD works with GenerasiKu Sayang and ReHAK to create safer spaces and improve access to essential sexual and reproductive health education. 
6. Through the SALAM Autisme YSD initiative launched under SINAR, we’re equipping educators — especially those serving B40 families — with practical skills to support children with autism and learning needs. We’re also exploring collaboration with OSEIC Sarawak to expand this support. These efforts aim to nurture inclusion and uphold every child’s right to learn, grow, and belong. 
7. In Sabah, our partnership with Good Shepherd Services, led by Dr Janie Liew, anchors Program SINAR YSD. With RM350,000 in support, we’ve strengthened care for vulnerable girls at Pusat Jagaan Sinar Murni — a safe, structured space for those in crisis. Our sincere thanks to Datuk Adeline Leong for assisting us to form this vital collaboration. More than a shelter, Sinar Murni offers healing, skills, and renewed confidence for these girls to face the world.  
8. Through our Child Safety and Protection Programme, we’ve empowered parents and guardians with vital knowledge. I’m proud to share that from June to September 2025, over 2,000 students showed a dramatic increase in awareness. They now better understand online grooming and the dangers of social media. Parents also improved their understanding of guiding safe online behaviour, showing that the programme is making a real impact. 

9. From June to July 2025, our BAH Makan initiative reached over 230 university students, helping them make informed choices about relationships, consent, safety, and mental health. Awareness of mental health rose substantially, and understanding of how to report sexual harassment increased drastically. These changes will result in stronger confidence and brighter futures. 

   Ladies and gentlemen, 

10. We have also invested in sustained public advocacy to shift mindsets around teenage pregnancy. The “Before 19” coffee table book — with 100 copies produced — captures powerful stories and images from Sabah’s youth and frontliners, serving as a tool to engage policymakers, educators, and community leaders. Building on this, a dedicated advocacy video developed by Good Shepherd Services with YSD’s support — to be showcased later — brings these voices to life, making the issue more visible and inspiring informed, compassionate responses.
11. Today’s event celebrates the collective commitment behind Program SINAR YSD — from the MADANI Government’s trust, to the steadfast service of Good Shepherd Services, and the dedication of partners, leaders, educators, parents, and youth who champion the safety and future of our children. As we launch the “Before 19” coffee table book and reflect on our journey in Sabah, let it stand as both a record and a call to action — one that sparks dialogue across homes, schools, clinics, and policy rooms, and strengthens our resolve to prevent teenage pregnancies, protect the vulnerable, and uphold every child’s right to a safer, healthier future. 
12. ith this spirit of empathy, partnership and shared responsibility, it is my honour to officially launch “Before 19, Pathways to Prevention: Teenage Pregnancy in Sabah”. May its pages and its accompanying video continue to inspire awareness, advocacy and action for generations to come. 
13.  Thank you!