Malaysia's birth rate falls 4.5% as fertility drops to 1.5 children

PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia's live births contracted by 4.5 per cent in 2025, according to official statistics released from the capital, reflecting ongoing concerns about the nation's declining fertility rate. The total fertility rate has fallen to 1.5 children per woman, down from previous years and well below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain a stable population without migration.

The demographic shift underscores broader challenges facing Malaysia as it grapples with an ageing population and potential labour shortages. Experts attribute the decline to multiple factors, including delayed marriage and childbearing, rising costs of living, greater female participation in the workforce, and shifting social attitudes toward family planning.

The fertility decline has significant implications for Malaysia's long-term economic and social planning. With fewer young people entering the workforce and more retirees depending on state support systems, policymakers face mounting pressure to devise strategies that address the demographic imbalance.

Government officials have previously indicated concerns about the nation's birth rates, with some calling for enhanced support for families and childcare infrastructure to encourage larger family sizes. The latest figures suggest these efforts have yet to reverse the downward trajectory in Malaysia's birth rates.