Govt to prioritise fertility programmes amid low birth rates in Penang, Sarawak

KUCHING: The Malaysian government intends to prioritize fertility programs and treatment support to address declining birth rates, particularly in Sarawak and Penang states, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. The initiatives encompass aiding couples dealing with fertility challenges and motivating younger couples to start families.

While such efforts are already underway through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the ministry aims to intensify its focus on these initiatives in the coming year.

Sarawak and Penang are among the states requiring attention due to their lower birth rates, according to Nancy. She informed reporters after launching the Perantis Pendaya 2.0 initiative that the government will provide coverage for treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) conducted under LPPKN. The ministry acknowledges that economic factors influence young couples' decisions to have children, but the government is actively addressing these concerns.

The ministry intends to expand programs encouraging family growth as the country requires population growth, Nancy added. They have researched fertility rates to devise appropriate strategies to raise birth numbers. Presently, the growth rate has not reached desired levels, but the government is actively working to promote higher birth rates. The research highlights specific factors contributing to low rates, which the minister plans to share soon.