Sarawak, Penang tapped for fertility push to boost birth rate

File photo for illustration purposes only. Photo credit: Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 19: Sarawak’s low population has prompted greater attention under the federal government’s efforts to raise Malaysia’s birth rate, with the State and Penang identified for proposed fertility programmes.

TVS reported that Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the two states required greater focus as the government sought to address the country’s declining fertility trend.

She said the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) had proposed fertility-related initiatives, including assistance for couples facing difficulties in having children.

“Fertility programmes are important because our population is still low and we want to increase it. Therefore, we have also proposed programmes related to fertility.

“Sarawak and Penang are among the states that need to be given focus because we want to increase the birth rate,” she said during a press conference after officiating the Opening Ceremony of Perantis-Pendaya 2.0 here today.

Nancy said the initiatives would include several programmes under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), to assist couples facing difficulties in having children.

She said the ministry would strengthen its focus on the existing programmes next year to encourage more young people to have children.

She said existing studies on fertility rates could also be used to support efforts to raise Malaysia’s birth rate, with the percentage and findings to be shared at a later date.

Meanwhile, on Perantis-Pendaya 2.0, Nancy said 400 participants from Sarawak took part in the programme today.

She expressed hope that participation could be increased next year, with more unique products also showcased, including those related to music, orchestras and the arts. — DayakDaily