SIBU: Every members of the Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) plays a crucial role when it comes to addressing and preventing the spread of social ills in the state.

Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the fight against social ills would need cooperation from all parties.

“Among the worrying social issues are teenage pregnancy, rape, domestic violence, high divorce rate, extramarital affairs, baby dumping and drug abuse,” she stated in her address at the annual general meeting (AGM) for the Dalat-Oya branch of Perkim Sarawak in Stadium Perpaduan Dalat on Saturday.

Fatimah, who is Dalat assemblywoman, said the increase in cases involving various social issues is a cause of grave concern, especially in view of its impact on the future generation.

“The future generation must be guided and educated properly – they must not shoulder the implications deriving from social problems.”

She said the goal could be achieved through participation and support in religious activities, which could strengthen the good values in the family institution and the community.

“Follow what our religions teach us – to do good things for our future generation.”

Family members especially parents and public members, she pointed out, should complement the government’s effort and those of other institutions in preventing social ills from becoming spreading further and becoming worse.

A total of 203 members of Perkim Oya-Dalat attended the AGM. In conjunction with the meeting, a motivation talk was also held for 170 students of SMK Oya.

Dalat District Officer Kueh Lei Poh and Perkim Sarawak chairperson Datuk Hanifah Taib Alsree were among those attending.