Sarawak, P Pinang jadi tumpuan usaha tingkat kadar kelahiran

Recent official statistics reveal that Malaysia's fertility rate has dropped to 1.60%. A rate exceeding 2.1% indicates population growth, while lower rates suggest a shrinking population. The Malaysian government plans to focus more on Pulau Pinang and Sarawak in efforts to boost the country's low fertility rate, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri.

Among the measures to assist couples facing difficulties in conceiving are in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with the ministry emphasizing reproductive programs for the coming year, Borneo Post reported. Nancy Shukri emphasized the importance of reproductive programs as the nation's population remains low and growth is desired. Although reproductive programs have already been implemented, the ministry hopes to place even greater emphasis in the coming year to encourage more young people to become parents.

Budget proposals for reproductive programs will also be included in the ministry's presentation. Nancy Shukri added that studies on fertility rates have been conducted to support efforts to increase the birth rate in Malaysia. The nation's fertility rate (average number of children born per woman) has continued to decline from 6.28% in 1958 to 1.6% in 2024.