Malaysia's birth rate declines 4.5% as fertility dips across ethnic groups

Malaysia's live births contracted by 4.5 per cent in 2025, marking a continued downward trend in the nation's fertility rates across all major ethnic groups, according to preliminary demographic data.

The crude birth rate—measured as births per 1,000 population—varied substantially by state, reflecting regional differences in demographic patterns. Terengganu recorded the highest rate at 18.7 births per 1,000 population, while Penang posted the lowest at 9.3 births per 1,000 population, underscoring the disparity between states.

The decline affects all communities and raises questions about factors influencing family planning decisions nationwide. Demographers typically attribute such shifts to urbanisation, increased educational attainment among women, higher costs of living, and changing social attitudes towards parenthood.

The figures come as Malaysia continues to grapple with an ageing population and shifting workforce dynamics. Policymakers will likely scrutinise the data as part of broader discussions on population growth, economic planning, and social welfare requirements in coming years.