The total fertility rate (TFR) of Malaysians has seen a significant decline, according to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development.
She stated that the Vital Statistics Report 2023 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) indicated that Malaysia’s TFR dropped from 2.1 children per woman in 2010 to 1.6 children per woman in 2022. “Various factors contribute to the decline in TFR, including economic factors, lifestyle choices which can influence decisions regarding marriage age, number of children, and others.”
“At the same time, infertility issues can also affect the TFR rate,” she said during discussions on the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Human Rights Commission for 2021 and 2022 under the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Nancy noted that according to United Nations estimates, several countries in the Asia-Pacific region such as Japan, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand also record very low fertility rates, below replacement levels.
In response to this situation, Nancy mentioned that the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has implemented various initiatives, including affordable fertility treatment services, clinics addressing male infertility issues, and providing tax exemptions of up to RM8,000 to couples undergoing fertility treatments.
“LPPKN has also been mandated to establish a National Subfertility Centre equipped with all modern fertility treatment facilities under one roof to provide affordable fertility services,” she said.
Nancy emphasized that the decision to have children and determining family size is a personal right of each couple. “There are various factors influencing decisions on having children, the number of children, and the decline in TFR. KPWKM, through LPPKN, assists in interventions for those facing infertility issues,” she added.
