Govt shifts focus to men in tackling low fertility rate

New Straits Times

12 hours ago

SEBERANG PRAI: The government is taking a more inclusive approach to address the declining fertility rate by putting the focus on men.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that although the national fertility rate had seen a modest rise from 1.6 to 1.7 over the past year, it was still low.
She said while many existing programmes focused on women, it was time to recognise that men also played a critical role in the issue.
She said people often forgot that men were also part of the equation.
"It is not just about women. Some fertility issues originate from the male and we need men to understand and accept this.
"This year, our outreach efforts have expanded to include road shows focused on educating men. The campaign recently launched in Sabah and will continue nationwide.
"It features a 'celebrity doctor' whose message is clear: fertility is not a women-only issue," she told newsmen after the launch of the Womenpreneurs - Shaping The Future Economy programme held at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya here.
Nancy said that through public talks and awareness drives, the campaign aimed to break the stigma around male infertility and foster a more supportive, shared responsibility between partners in planning for children.
"Men must look into themselves and be part of the solution.
"Increasing our fertility rate is a national issue, and we need to face it together," she added.
Beyond education, Nancy said the government had also been investing in fertility clinics, including IVF services, through agencies like the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), which offer assistance to couples seeking to have children.
Elaborating, Nancy acknowledged that one of the issues identified for the low fertility rate was the lack of support for caregiving, a major deterrent for working adults considering parenthood.
She said since last year, they had been focusing on caregiving, but there were few takers.
She said there needed to be a change in culture, in how people viewed caregivers.
"Many see this as being a 'maid'. We do not want people to treat caregivers as maids.
"We want people to see them as professionals in their own way. By doing so, we hope to increase the numbers.
"We are working to professionalise the caregiving industry, provide training, and ensure caregivers are paid fairly, so families can trust and rely on them," she said.
With an ageing population expected to peak by 2030, these new approaches reflect a more inclusive vision — one where men, women, and society as a whole take shared responsibility for the future of the nation.