{
  "id": 9525866,
  "title": "Family planning knowledge in the country remains low",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/family-planning-knowledge-in-the-country-remains-low",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-24T08:18:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1540189/family-planning-knowledge-country-remains-low"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia, family planning knowledge is lacking, with only 34 percent of married couples utilizing modern contraceptives, according to the Study on Family Planning Practices. This low level of knowledge is attributed to misconceptions about contraception, which has resulted in some couples being unwilling to use them. National Population and Family Development Board chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim emphasized the necessity of enhancing literacy, access, and usage of family planning services to enable couples to make informed decisions about pregnancy in light of their family needs and financial constraints. The study is crucial because it provides evidence that knowledge about contraceptive methods remains low. Rohani expressed surprise that the public did not already possess this knowledge, as the study confirmed it. The study also revealed that male partners are rarely involved in family planning decisions, with most responsibilities falling on wives. There is also a social stigma surrounding women with subfertility issues, leading to blame being placed on them when couples cannot conceive. Rohani stated that if couples have been married for one or two years and have not yet succeeded in having children, they should seek help at the board for early intervention. The board, after launching the report, plans to continue intensifying the Kafe@TEEN programme and other family planning awareness initiatives. The board hopes the report's findings will help to strengthen family planning policies, programs, and service delivery.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Knowledge of family planning methods among Malaysians remains low, with only 34 per cent of married couples using modern contraceptives.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Family Planning Knowledge In The Country Remains Low - LPPKN",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/general-family-planning-knowledge-in-the-country-remains-low-lppkn",
        "published": "2026-09-24T06:54:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}