Too costly to raise a family? Sarawak’s young couples face quandary

Sarawak's premier, Abang Johari Openg, highlighted the financial challenges young couples face when considering starting a family in the state. He stated that the cost of raising children, including basic necessities like milk, can be substantial, and financial burdens are a significant factor in young couples' decisions. The premier emphasized that easing financial struggles is part of a broader strategy to make Sarawak more attractive for people to live and raise families.

Measures such as the Sarawak basic needs assistance scheme and free tertiary education have been introduced to alleviate these costs. However, Abang Johari cautioned that the decision to have children significantly impacts Sarawak's population growth, which in turn relies on the state's economic prospects. He stressed that stronger economic opportunities are necessary to support a larger population, urging the government to look beyond the domestic market and promote economic growth by encouraging Sarawakians abroad to return.

The premier called upon the younger generation to transform from mere consumers to creators of products and employment opportunities to drive Sarawak's new economic development. He stressed the importance of taking calculated risks, as without them, the state would not be able to progress.