29/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 29, 2026

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‘Declining birth rate shaped by economic pressures’

Young M’sians rethinking parenthood PETALING JAYA: A growing number of young Malaysians are re-evaluating parenthood, shaped not only by financial pressures but also by changing ideas of family, success and adulthood. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia anthropology and sociology lecturer Dr Velan Kunjuraman said Malaysia’s declining birth rate reflects a wider transformation across Asia, in which traditional life paths are being reconsidered. “Economic pressure is often highlighted, but the reality is more complex. We are witnessing a deeper sociological change that is reshaping how young Malaysians view family and life priorities.” He said rising costs tied to housing, childcare, education and healthcare have made raising children a major financial commitment. “For many couples today, having children is no longer seen as a natural step after marriage but as a significant financial decision.” He added that job insecurity, contract-based work and slower wage growth have made long-term planning difficult, prompting many to delay parenthood until they feel financially secure, or to opt out entirely. He also said beyond economics, younger generations are redefining success. “In the past, marriage and children were milestones of adulthood. “Today, success is linked to personal fulfilment, mental health, career growth and life experiences.” Velan said urbanisation has accelerated the shift, adding that cities such as Kuala Lumpur offer career opportunities, travel and social mobility, encouraging independence. “In urban settings, parenthood could feel restrictive. Raising children requires time, financial sacrifice and commitment, which may conflict with the flexibility young professionals value.” He added that what begins as delayed parenthood due to financial strain is increasingly evolving into cultural acceptance of child-free lifestyles. “Among educated and professional groups, choosing not to have children is becoming socially acceptable. “Parenthood is now seen as a choice, not an obligation.” He also said once such choices gain acceptance, they tend to spread quickly, turning temporary delays into permanent decisions. Velan said social media has amplified these attitudes, often showcasing lifestyles centred on travel and independence while portraying parenting as stressful. “Social media doesn’t create the attitudes but validates them,” he said, adding that misinformation about fertility and health is also spreading online. He said lifestyle and health factors add to the challenge, adding that delayed childbearing reduces fertility windows, while stress and sedentary habits may further affect reproductive health. He also said the rise of fertility centres in Malaysia reflects growing demand for reproductive assistance. He emphasised that Malaysia’s declining birth rate is multidimensional, shaped by economics, culture, urban living and digital influence. Velan said addressing it requires more than financial incentives. “Policies supporting childcare, flexible work and public education are crucial, alongside a broader societal conversation about balancing personal aspirations with family life. “Ultimately, the decision to have children is deeply personal. But understanding the forces shaping the choices is essential for planning the country’s future.” – By Kirtinee Ramesh

o Rising cost of living and lifestyle changes among key factors, says academic

On government measures, Ida said more targeted support is needed, especially in early childhood care. “Malaysia has done well in providing free education at primary and secondary levels, but support for children below seven remains limited.” She said government-subsidised preschool programmes such as Kemas offer affordable early education but are not widely accessible in urban centres, forcing many parents to turn to costly private options. “There needs to be greater emphasis on childcare and early education,” Ida pointed to international examples in which childcare support is central to family policies, suggesting Malaysia could adopt similar approaches to ease burdens on parents. Malaysia’s birth rate has now dropped to a record low, with 93,500 babies born in the first quarter of 2025 – an 11.5% year-on-year decline, according to official statistics. That translates to one baby every minute, or about 1,039 daily. Fertility has fallen across all major ethnic groups, with Malays at replacement level (2.1 children per woman), while the Chinese community recorded the lowest at 0.8. The population stands at 34.2 million, growing at a slower pace of 0.9%.

“This shows many women are delaying childbirth, which naturally leads to smaller families due to biological and time constraints.” She said the financial realities of raising children vary widely, adding that dual-income households may afford childcare services, while single-income families often rely on stay-at home mothers or relatives. She also said with women’s workforce participation at about 55%, childcare access has become a growing concern. “When both parents are working, families often depend on childcare centres, which could be costly and not always accessible.” Ida said urban families in particular face higher expenses due to reliance on private childcare and preschools. She emphasised that Malaysia’s fertility trend mirrors patterns in developed nations, pointing to a broader demographic transition. “This is not just happening in Malaysia. As countries move towards developed status, declining birth rates are common. It is a long term structural shift.” She added that indicators include the rising age of first-time mothers, with delayed parenthood reducing family size and reflecting priorities such as career growth and financial stability.

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s declining birth rate is increasingly shaped by economic pressures and changing social norms, with more women postponing motherhood, a trend experts say reflects a deeper structural shift rather than a short-term response. Putra Business School economist Assoc Prof Dr Ida Md Yasin said while no single national survey pinpoints the exact causes, existing data and independent studies highlight rising living costs and lifestyle changes as key factors. “There is no doubt that the rising cost of living has an impact, but lifestyle changes are also equally important.” Citing 2025 data from the Statistics Department, she explained that women aged 30 to 39 now account for about 53% of births, compared to 40% among those aged 20 to 29. Plastics ban may hinder disabled community: Group GEORGE TOWN: A disability advocacy group has urged the Penang government to allow exemptions to its upcoming ban on single-use plastics, adding that the policy could make daily life harder for persons with disabilities (PwD). The Society of Disabled Persons Penang said replacing plastic bags and food containers with reusable items, such as tiffin carriers, may not be practical for individuals who use wheelchairs or crutches. Its chairperson Datuk Teh Lay Kuan said carrying reusable containers while handling mobility aids could be difficult, especially during routine activities such as buying food or going to the market. “Where possible, exemptions should be made to allow PwD to continue using single-use plastic bags and foodware, so they are not unnecessarily inconvenienced and are able to maintain their independence,” she told theSun . She added that without such flexibility, some disabled individuals may end up relying on caregivers for simple daily tasks. Teh also highlighted concerns about food aid distribution. She said charities and donors may face challenges if single-use plastic packaging is no longer allowed, as alternatives such as metal containers are not always practical. The group called on the state government to ensure the policy takes into account the needs of vulnerable communities and remains inclusive. Penang plans to phase out single-use plastics by Sept 1 as part of its environmental efforts. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move builds on earlier initiatives to reduce plastic use, with the state currently exploring biodegradable alternatives suitable for wet markets and hawker centres. For now, hawkers and small traders are not Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Teh said charities and donors may face challenges if single-use plastic packaging is no longer allowed, as alternatives such as metal containers are not always practical. – BERNAMAPIC

would not apply to wet markets and hawkers until affordable alternatives are available. These premises include hypermarkets, supermarkets, departmental stores, convenience stores, fast food outlets, petrol station convenience stores, chain stores, pharmacies and clinics. Tan said concerns raised by disability groups would be included in the discussions. “We will bring in their concern and involve them.”

directly affected, although the state has indicated the policy may be expanded in the future. Penang Green Council CEO Josephine Tan said the Penang No Single-Use Plastic framework is still in its early stages, with discussions planned involving various stakeholders. She said full compliance will begin on Sept 1 for eight types of premises under existing guidelines. However, she also said the ban