KUCHING - The numbers of unwed mothers in Sarawak are staggering stated Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, who urged mothers to impart religious and moral values to their children to curb the trend.

"Mothers are their children's educators, inspirations and role models," said Fatimah during a Mothers Day celebration organised by the Single Mother's Association yesterday.

Last year, Sarawak General Hospital records 827 births by unwed mothers, with the number growing annually. Four years ago, there were 703 babies born.

"With the right nurturing, mothers can shape their children's future and character. The young need a good guidance to walk away from the wrong path of life," said Fatimah.

"Some of these mothers gave birth as early as 13, and studies show that pregnancy at an early age poses a health hazard to the mother and the baby."