At FRHAM, we believe that everyone has the right to access and receive services in an environment that is secure, respectful, and upholds their dignity.

If you are a FRHAM beneficiary or client and have any concerns regarding the services or environment you have encountered, we encourage you to use the IPPF SafeReport link below to report your issues. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

IPPF SafeReport link: https://www.ippf.org/ippfsafereport

Young people, especially children, need to be aware of the specific sexual health terms (e.g: penis, vagina) if they are in the event of being inappropriately touched, involved in sexual abuse or sexual harrasment. This helps to give the exact information when reporting cases of unintended sexual activity to the authorities.

Ref: https://www.bigtalkeducation.co.uk/parents/parents-sex-education-questions-answered/

Simple observations can be made through their sign of behaviours:

Signs of depression:

• Low self-esteem
• Loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed
• Loss of appetite
• Tearful, nervous or easily irritated
• Expresses thoughts of suicide

Signs of anxiety:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Easily irritated
• Avoiding certain situations
• Appears pale, restless or tense
• Easily startled by everyday sounds
• Panic attacks – experiencing rapid breathing, hot/cold sweat, shortness of breath and feeling sick or faint

Other signs:

• Self-harm – an individual harms themself to deal with intense emotional pain
• Hear voices, seeing visions not seen by others (delusions), feeling exceptionally self-important, holding unusual beliefs
• The individual has a mental illness such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia

How can I help?

1. Talk to them. By communicating, you can find out what is troubling them and what you can do to help.
2. Listen and focus on their needs and avoid being judgemental towards them.
3. Encourage them to seek professional help.
4. If they hurt themselves, make sure to get the first aid they need.
5. Ask them what would help them.
6. Avoid confrontation.

Ref: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-health-problem

To seek help, contact the hotline numbers below:

1. BEFRIENDERS: a not-for-profit organisation providing emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people who are lonely, in distress, in despair, or having suicidal thoughts without charge. Hotline numbers:
   KL: 03-7956 8145 (24 hours)
   Ipoh: 05-547 7933 (4pm to 11pm)
   Penang: 04-281 5161 (3 pm to midnight)
   E-Mail: sam@befrienders.org.my
   Website: https://www.befrienders.org.my/ 
2. SOLS HEALTH is a behavioural health centre that connects clients to access individual, family and community mental health and nutritional services with an emphasis on combating the stigma of mental health in Malaysia. Clients with a monthly household income below a certain threshold will qualify for subsidized rates.
   Contact Number: 6018-664-0247
   E-Mail: solshealth@sols247.org, navigaide@sols247.org
   Website: https://www.sols247.org/solshealth
3. LIFE LINE ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA
   Lifeline association Malaysia offers free consultation service face-to-face, over the phone and through email. Their motto is ‘Help is as close as the telephone”.
   Counselling Hotline: 03-42657995
   E-Mail: counselling@lifeline.org.my
   Website: http://lifeline.org.my/cn/
4. MALAYSIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (MMHA)
   Malaysian Mental Health Association provides support via their phone line on any mental health issues. MMHA has qualified mental health professionals (ie. clinical psychologist, and counsellors) providing psychological support services. Financial subsidies are readily available to ensure that necessary therapy and support is given to anyone who needs it.
   Contact Number: 03-2780 6803
   E-Mail: admin@mmha.org.my
   Website: https://mmha.org.my/Ref: https://www.aia.com.my/en/what-matters/seetheotherside/mental-health-helpline-resources.html

In Malaysia, abortion is not illegal.

Based on civil law under Section 312, Penal Code, it is permissible to save a woman’s life or to protect her physical and mental health by a registered general practitioner under the Medical Act 1971.

Under the Syariah law which is only applicable to Muslims, abortion is legal to be carried out for a fetus under 120 days of gestation, under circumstances where the mother’s life is under threat or if the fetus is abnormal.

The cost depends on the method used for abortion, which can be either medical or surgical. According to SafeParenthood Malaysia (2015), the cost needed for medical abortion ranges from RM500 to RM900, while a surgical abortion can cost between RM950 toRM4500.

Ref: SafeParenthood Malaysia (2015). Abortion Cost in Malaysia.

Child marriage is any formal marriage where at least one person is under the age of 18. It is considered a human violation right if one or both parties in the marriage have not personally expressed their full, free and informed consent to the union.

Ref: https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/child-marriage-law/

In order to be legally married, based on the law of Enactment No. 12 of 1985 (Administration of Islamic Family Law Enactment 1985), Section 7 : The minimum age for marriage is stated that no marriage may be solemnized under this Enactment where either the man is under the age of 18 or the woman is under the age of 16 except where the Syar’iah Judge has granted his permission in writing in certain circumstances.

Ref: http://www2.esyariah.gov.my/esyariah/mal/portalv1/enakmen2011/Eng_enactment_Ori_lib.

It is physically and mentally challenging when a girl enters a new stage of life as a wife and a mother. When girls are married, they miss out on developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. They are also forced to drop out of school at an early age. In terms of their health, they are expected to face high risks of pregnancy and childbirth complications, contract HIV/AIDS and experience domestic violence.

Ref: https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/what-is-the-impact/

As parents, it is important to provide emotional support for your teen during these developing years. It is natural for them to experience strong emotions such as anger, guilt and denial. However, being a parent means providing them a safe space for open communication. Ask and discuss with your teen about their feelings as well as their next step when facing hard decisions.  Parents should also be aware about the mental and physical health of their teen, as they may experience anxiety, fear and depression. A parent’s support can have a lasting impact on them and their future.

Ref: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-pregnancy/art-20048124

Teenage pregnancy has severe consequences for the mother and baby.

A mother can experience health concerns possibly leading to death, and the baby may have complications such as a low birth weight and premature development.

A teen mother is also likely to experience mental and physical problems if they are not provided with support from family or friends.

However, it is possible to reduce the risk as the teen mother can obtain help from a healthcare centre to get early prenatal care as treatment. A teen parent can also acquire support from healthcare services that are ready to provide assistance.

Ref: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources education/700childrens/2016/10/risks-of-teen-pregnancy

First and foremost, you should:

• Seek prenatal care. This is important for health care provider to supervise your health and your baby.
• Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Early prevention steps help to identify whether you are infected with STIs or not. If you are, it possible to obtain early treatment from a healthcare center to help cope with the infections.
• Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, your body requires significant changes to provide nutrients for your body and your developing fetus. Thus, you will need more folic acid, calcium, iron and other essential nutrients to provide nourishment to yourself and the baby.
• Take parenting classes. These classes can help you to prepare for teen pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.

If you need more advice and health-related services, refer to these websites:

To get the hotline number of Klinik Sejahtera according to your location

• Klinik Nur Sejahtera LPPKN *

To get the hotline number of kafe@TEEN Adolescent Centre according to your location

• https://www.lppkn.gov.my/index.php/en/reproductive-health-services/103-kafe-teen-adolescent-centre *

* Please note the information provided in the referenced website may not be functioning and is subject to change. For the latest information, we recommend checking Klinik Sejahtera and kafe@TEEN’s official website and verified social media platforms.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-medical reasons. (UNFPA, 2020)

Ref: https://www.unfpa.org/resources/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-frequently-asked-questions#whatisfgm

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is classified into 4 major types (WHO,2020)

• Type 1:  this is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals), and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).
• Type 2:  this is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva ).
• Type 3: Also known as infibulation, is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without the removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans (Type 1 FGM).
• Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, (e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area).

Ref: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation