World · Malaysia Bureau
Sarawak, Penang to spearhead fertility push as Malaysia tackles birth rates
Malaysia will intensify efforts to boost fertility rates in Sarawak and Penang next year, with expanded support for couples including IVF assistance, according to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
LSN Malaysia ·
The two states will serve as focal points for an enhanced fertility programme aimed at reversing declining birth rates across the country, said Nancy Shukri, the ministry responsible for population and family matters.
The expanded initiative will include increased access to in-vitro fertilisation treatments for couples struggling with infertility, marking a more comprehensive approach to addressing Malaysia's demographic challenges. The programme reflects growing concern among policymakers about the nation's fertility trajectory and its implications for long-term economic and social sustainability.
The selection of Sarawak and Penang as pilot regions suggests a targeted strategy to test and refine fertility support mechanisms before potential nationwide rollout. Officials have indicated that the programme will encompass not only medical interventions but also supportive measures to encourage family formation among Malaysian couples.
Further details regarding funding, eligibility criteria, and implementation timelines for the enhanced fertility programme are expected to be announced in the coming months as the government finalises its demographic policy framework for the new year.