25/05/2025

NATIONAL 4 ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025

Holistic remedy needed to address falling birth rate

Fewer couples starting families amid shifting priorities PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is facing an unprecedented decline in birth rates, a demographic shift that experts warn could have serious consequences for the nation’s economy, workforce and social cohesion. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh attributed the falling birth rate largely to the high cost of raising children, particularly in urban areas. “Years ago, families often had five children. Now, the average is three, and it could fall further to two or even one, much like the trend in Singapore. “It’s not just housing or food. Even providing nutritious meals is expensive. Parents feel pressured to enrol children in preschool by age three, followed by entrance exams, tuition and other academic demands – all of which add to the financial burden.” She added that environmental factors are also playing a growing role. “Air and water pollution, including exposure to heavy metals from traffic and industrial waste, has been linked to reduced sperm quality in men. Fertility isn’t just about biology, it’s also about the desire to have children and both are declining.” She added that while dual-income households are now the norm, even two salaries often fall short of what is needed to raise a family. “It’s no longer feasible for the husband alone to support the household. The wife also contributes significantly to family expenses. Yet, starting salaries remain low, even for professionals such as doctors, engineers and teachers. In an upper-middle income country such as Malaysia, a minimum wage of RM1,700 is still inadequate for a growing family.” According to the Statistics Department, only 93,500 births were recorded in the first quarter of 2025, an 11.5% drop from 105,613 during the same period last year. It marks the lowest quarterly birth rate ever recorded. The department attributed the decline to falling fertility and warned of broader social implications. Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer in anthropology and sociology Dr Velan Kunjuraman pointed to deeper societal shifts, shaped by modernisation and globalisation, which have redefined perceptions of marriage and parenthood. “Young people today prioritise financial stability, personal freedom and career success before starting families. Marriage, once a key life milestone, no longer holds the same weight.” He observed that highly educated, career-focused individuals increasingly view marriage as optional, with some choosing to remain childfree to enjoy life without the responsibilities of parenting. Velan also highlighted the rising divorce rate and growing acceptance of alternative relationships, such as live-in partnerships, especially in urban areas. “Marriage remains an important ethical and legal institution, but its meaning and practice have evolved. Gender expectations still play a role, some women see marriage as a threat to their independence due to the traditional caregiving roles still expected of them. “Today, successful families are founded on shared responsibility and mutual respect.” – by Harith Kamal

Situation calls for culturally sensitive strategy combining financial aid with workplace reforms and community-based care: Expert

BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ali (not his real name), 27, shared that despite cultural and family expectations, he and his wife have chosen not to have children. “I understand why people want children. For some, it’s fulfilling and meaningful. But for me and my wife, it’s just not something we want.” He said they frequently face questions from relatives about when they would start a family, but remain firm in their decision. “If I’m the one who has to raise them, it has to be my choice. I know I wouldn’t enjoy being a parent. Even if money wasn’t a factor, it wouldn’t change our minds. “I’ve seen how tough it is for friends. Parenthood isn’t something you take on just because society expects it. I’m thankful my wife However, she cautioned that such efforts must be inclusive and supported by sustained political will. “Cash incentives alone won’t succeed if workplace culture and social attitudes fail to evolve.” Paediatrician and infant mental health specialist Dr Nik Raihan Mohamed echoed these sentiments, warning against over reliance on one-off financial handouts. “Lump-sum payments, such as those seen in Singapore, often fall short of covering long-term costs such as childcare and education. “More effective is sustainable, tiered support that continues throughout a child’s development.” She pointed out that rigid gender roles and discriminatory work environments remain major barriers, particularly for women. “In Japan and South Korea, women still shoulder most of the childcare burden and face unsupportive work cultures, even with attractive incentives.” She emphasised that financial aid is only part of the picture when couples decide whether to start a family. “Governments often focus on the numbers, but emotional, cultural and lifestyle factors – such as values, expectations and support networks – are just as important.” She also criticised current policies for disproportionately benefitting urban, middle-class families, often leaving behind lower-income, rural and marginalised groups. “This imbalance widens social inequality and breeds exclusion. “Childcare, housing and fertility support must be equitable and accessible to those who need it most.” Drawing lessons from China’s sharp pivot from population control to pro-natalist measures, she warned that even generous schemes could fail without a supportive societal foundation. “China shifted quickly from limiting births to encouraging them, but without

Amid economic pressures and shifting personal values, more couples are delaying parenthood or choosing not to have children at all, challenging long-standing cultural expectations. Nadia Farhana Mohd Zulkifli, 31, a clerk in Kuala Lumpur, said she and her husband hope to have children one day, but have decided to postpone starting a family due to financial constraints. “Between work, paying off our car and housing loans, and trying to save, it just doesn’t feel like the right time. “We’ve talked about it a lot. It’s not that we don’t want kids, but we want to give them a good, stable life. Right now, even thinking PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s shrinking birth rate has sparked growing concern, but experts warn that short-term financial handouts alone will not reverse the trend. Instead, they are urging the government to take inspiration from countries that have adopted holistic, family-oriented policies designed to provide long-term support. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Early Childhood Studies senior lecturer Dr Masayu Dzainudin said addressing the issue requires more than temporary cash incentives. “This calls for a culturally sensitive strategy that combines financial aid with workplace reforms and community-based care.” She proposed a hybrid model that integrates direct incentives, tax relief and housing support with family-friendly measures such as extended parental leave and accessible childcare services. Highlighting Singapore’s Baby Bonus Scheme, Masayu suggested a tiered benefits system – in which support increases with each additional child – to help encourage larger families. “Countries such as Sweden and Norway have also shown success through shared parental leave, which gives both parents an active role in early childcare. “In Malaysia, extending maternity leave, introducing paid paternity leave and promoting flexible work arrangements could ease pressure on young families.” She also underscored the importance of affordable housing as part of a pro family framework. “In South Korea, public housing is prioritised for families, while Singapore offers housing grants for married couples. “Malaysia could explore similar initiatives, such as priority housing schemes or discounted loans for households with children.”

feels the same.” For some, fear plays a major role. A woman in her early 30s, who requested anonymity, said a traumatic family experience left her afraid of pregnancy. “Years ago, I lost a close relative to childbirth complications and that trauma still haunts me. “I know pregnancy is natural, but when you’ve seen someone you love suffer like that, it’s impossible to forget. The thought still terrifies me.” While her husband initially hoped to have children, he now fully supports her decision. Although she has reservations about childbirth, parenthood is still on the table as the couple is exploring adoption. “I love the idea of raising a child, just not through pregnancy. The risks and the fear that something could go wrong is overwhelming.” – by Harith Kamal Masayu proposed a hybrid model that integrates direct incentives, tax relief and housing support with family-friendly measures such as extended parental leave and accessible childcare services. fostering a family-friendly environment, many remained hesitant. “Malaysia must focus not just on boosting birth rates, but on improving the overall quality of family life.” Both experts agreed that real progress lies in adapting proven strategies to suit Malaysia’s unique context. “True change happens when families feel supported not just financially, but emotionally and socially,” Nik Raihan said. “That’s how we create a society in which having children is not seen as a burden, but a joy.”

Why more couples are saying no to parenthood PETALING JAYA: Having children was once considered the natural next step after marriage, but for many Malaysian couples today, that certainty is fading. about childcare costs or taking unpaid leave feels overwhelming.” For others, the decision is not just about money, but conviction.