Factors behind lower birth rates
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Delays in marriage, increasing expenses, and postponement of having children are among the reasons Malaysia's fertility rate is decreasing. Datuk Abdul Shukur Abdullah, the director-general of the National Population and Family Development Board, reported that the total fertility rate decreased from 2.1 children per woman in 2010 to 1.6 in 2022.
He explained that the current trend of delaying marriage leads to couples having less time to have children. The average age of marriage has risen to 27 for women and 30 for men. Couples also tend to delay pregnancy, as a woman's fertile years range from 15 to 49, and fertility starts to decrease after the age of 35. During the launch of the state-level World Population Day Celebration 2026, Shukur highlighted Malaysia's projection to become an aging nation by 2036, necessitating a comprehensive support system for healthy aging and family formation.
He pointed out that Kelantan had a population of 1.91 million in 2022, with 11.5% aged 60 and above and 30.3% in the 15-30 age group. This demonstrates the need for Kelantan to ensure the healthy aging of senior citizens and create an environment where youths can build their lives and families.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
