Sarawak and Penang are given a focus on birth rate

KUCHING, Sept. 19: Sarawak and Penang are among the states that have been given a focus by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) to increase birth rates in the country.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry also proposed a program related to fertility.

"This fertility program is important because our population is still low and we want to increase it. So we're also proposing a fertility program.

"Sarawak and Penang are among the states that need to be focused because we want to increase birth rates", he said at a press conference after completing the Opening Ceremony of Parantis-Pendaya 2.0 here today.

He said the programme also included efforts to help couples facing issue of procreation including several programmes under the National Population and Family Development Board (NDPBD) which include in vitro fertilization (IVF).

While related programs have been implemented, the ministry wants to focus on next year to encourage more young people to have children.

"For us, the focus is more on programs that can encourage them to have children. But I think we need more effort and preparedness to improve in our country", he added.

At the same time, he said there are studies on fertility rates that can be used to improve birth rate in Malaysia however he said the percentage and the results of the study will be shared in the future.

Meanwhile, regarding Perantis Pendaya 2.0, Nancy said that as many as 400 Sarawak participants participated in the program today and hopes that participation can be increased next year, besides seeing more unique products highlighted, including music, orchestra and arts. - TVS