KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The total fertility rate (TFR) of Malaysians has seen a notable decline, said Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She cited the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s Vital Statistics 2023 Report, which indicated Malaysia’s TFR dropped from 2.1 children per female in 2010 to 1.6 children per female in 2022.
“There are various factors contributing to this TFR decline, including economic factors and lifestyle choices that influence decisions regarding marriage age and family size.
“At the same time, infertility issues also play a role in the declining TFR rate,” Nancy said during the winding-up debate on the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for 2021 and 2022 at the ministry level in the Dewan Rakyat today.
She added that according to United Nations projections, several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, have also reported very low fertility rates that fall below the replacement level.
In response to these challenges, the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has implemented several initiatives, including providing affordable fertility treatment services, establishing clinics to address male fertility issues, and offering tax exemptions of up to RM8,000 for couples seeking fertility treatments.
“LPPKN has also been assigned the responsibility of establishing a National Subfertility Centre equipped with comprehensive fertility treatment facilities under one roof, aimed at offering modern fertility services at affordable rates,” Nancy said.
However, the minister emphasised that each couple has the right to decide whether to have children and to determine the family size.
— Bernama
