Budget 2027: LPPKN fertility program among the main focus of KPWKM - Nancy

KUCHING, 19 Sept: Allocation to accelerate the implementation of fertility program under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) is among the main focus of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) in Budget 2027.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the move is important to address the issue of declining population birth rate in the country, especially in states like Sarawak and Penang that need special attention.

"In fact, we have already implemented the move (via LPPKN) and we just want to focus on next year so that we can encourage more people especially among young people.

"Some say it's not just a fertility problem but an economic problem, but the economic problem will be addressed by the government through other ministries. For us (KPWKM), it's more about programs that can encourage them to have children because we need to raise them in our country", he said.

She said this to reporters after inaugurating the inaugural conference of PURPOSE 2.0: Empowering Dayak Women Entrepreneurs for Leadership, Scale and Sustainability here today.

Asked about the country's fertility rate study, Nancy said details and findings of the study will be presented specifically at the opening ceremony of LPPKN's new building in Kuching.

Regarding the PERANTIS programme, he announced that 400 participants participated in the program in Sarawak this year, with 11 of them selected as a pilot for direct guidance.

The cooperation programme between the ministry and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Kuching Women's Empowerment and Sustainability Network Association (WESNA) aims to empower Dayak women entrepreneurs through the preparation of a 90-day Action Plan as well as pursuing modern business strategy. -TVS