Cost of living main reason youths delay starting families
21 Jul 2025 08:04pm
Noraini said this year's World Population Day celebration has been expanded to the state level with various programmes involving more than 5,000 participants throughout July and August. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily
KUALA LUMPUR - The pressure of the rising cost of living is the main factor why many youths choose to delay marriage and start a family, even though the desire remains, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), she said nearly one in five adults across 14 countries acknowledged that they may not be able to have the number of children they desire.
"Of this group, 39 per cent cited financial constraints as the main barrier, including the cost of living, childcare, housing, and job insecurity. This is where our responsibility lies, to listen, understand, and act,' she said in her speech at the 2025 World Population Day celebration here today.
She said the government has implemented various initiatives to help young couples build families in a more stable and structured environment, including providing maternity and paternity leave, childcare subsidies, financial assistance for low-income families, as well as organising awareness programmes on reproductive and family health.
Commenting on Malaysia's declining fertility rate, currently at 1.7 children per woman, which is below the population replacement level of 2.1, Noraini said the government is implementing the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BuAI), targeting 30,000 couples by 2025.
"In just the first quarter of 2025, only 93,500 births were recorded, a drop of more than 11 per cent compared to the previous year. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a growing urgency for effective policies, support systems, and public awareness,' she said.
In addition, she said family and reproductive health education programmes such as PEKERTI, SMARTSTART, and Kafe@TEEN are also being implemented on an ongoing basis.
"These efforts are part of a holistic, inclusive and youth-friendly approach. We want young people to start their families in a stable environment, supported by relevant policies and surrounded by hope, not worry,' she added.
Meanwhile, Noraini said this year's World Population Day celebration has been expanded to the state level with various programmes involving more than 5,000 participants throughout July and August.
The event also saw the launch of the UNFPA's State of World Population 2025 report titled 'The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World', which highlights global challenges and opportunities in the context of fertility, reproductive choices, and intergenerational justice.
The launch of the report in Malaysia reflects international recognition of the country's commitment to addressing population issues comprehensively and through evidence-based policies. - BERNAMA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
7 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Cost of living main reason youths delay starting families
Nearly one in five adults across 14 countries acknowledged that they may not be able to have the number of children they desire. 21 Jul 2025 08:04pm Noraini said this year's World Population Day celebration has been expanded to the state level with various programmes involving more than 5,000 participants throughout July and August. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily KUALA LUMPUR - The pressure of the rising cost of living is the main factor why many youths choose to delay marriage and start a family, even though the desire remains, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), she said nearly one in five adults across 14 countries acknowledged that they may not be able to have the number of children they desire. "Of this group, 39 per cent cited financial constraints as the main barrier, including the cost of living, childcare, housing, and job insecurity. This is where our responsibility lies, to listen, understand, and act,' she said in her speech at the 2025 World Population Day celebration here today. She said the government has implemented various initiatives to help young couples build families in a more stable and structured environment, including providing maternity and paternity leave, childcare subsidies, financial assistance for low-income families, as well as organising awareness programmes on reproductive and family health. Commenting on Malaysia's declining fertility rate, currently at 1.7 children per woman, which is below the population replacement level of 2.1, Noraini said the government is implementing the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BuAI), targeting 30,000 couples by 2025. "In just the first quarter of 2025, only 93,500 births were recorded, a drop of more than 11 per cent compared to the previous year. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a growing urgency for effective policies, support systems, and public awareness,' she said. In addition, she said family and reproductive health education programmes such as PEKERTI, SMARTSTART, and Kafe@TEEN are also being implemented on an ongoing basis. "These efforts are part of a holistic, inclusive and youth-friendly approach. We want young people to start their families in a stable environment, supported by relevant policies and surrounded by hope, not worry,' she added. Meanwhile, Noraini said this year's World Population Day celebration has been expanded to the state level with various programmes involving more than 5,000 participants throughout July and August. The event also saw the launch of the UNFPA's State of World Population 2025 report titled 'The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World', which highlights global challenges and opportunities in the context of fertility, reproductive choices, and intergenerational justice. The launch of the report in Malaysia reflects international recognition of the country's commitment to addressing population issues comprehensively and through evidence-based policies. - BERNAMA
The Star
17-07-2025
- The Star
Domestic violence surge spurs action from ministry
Advocates for change: Participant Nor Azila Muda, 47, (centre) holding a sign calling for the elimination of violence against women at the Women's Wellbeing Advocacy Programme @ Domestic Violence (Aku Wanita @ KRT) in Kuala Ibai. — Bernama KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 2,467 cases of domestic violence were recorded nationwide from January to April this year, most of them involving housewives, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. The Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister said studies showed that most of the abuses were committed by people close to the victim. 'There may be some (victims) who do not even realised they are being abused because the abuse is not just physical, it is emotional. 'Sometimes the perpetrators also use 'reverse psychology',' Noraini said, Bernama reported. 'Studies also found that most abuse is committed by the people closest to the victim or among family members,' she told reporters after launching the Women's Wellbeing Advocacy Programme @ Domestic Violence (Aku Wanita @ KRT) here yesterday. Noraini said that from January to April, 104 cases of domestic violence were recorded in Terengganu. Although the number was a decrease compared to 130 cases recorded during the same period last year, the figure was still worrying, she added. The ministry has started various initiatives to help reduce the number of domestic violence cases, including through the Aku Wanita @ KRT Programme. Through the programme, issues related to domestic violence will be discussed in depth with experts and survivors who will share how they escaped and recovered from abusive relationships. 'In addition, a psychological intervention session called 'K-Chat' has also been introduced through this programme.' The session is a group intervention between survivors with trained counsellors and facilitators to help participants understand and deal with issues that have befallen them due to the abuse, she added.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
KPWKM boosts HPV screening awareness for Orang Asli women
TANJONG MALIM: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is stepping up efforts to educate Orang Asli women on the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) screening to reduce cervical cancer risks. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad highlighted the ministry's commitment to ensuring high-risk groups receive early treatment and accurate health information. Collaborating with the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), KPWKM has conducted outreach programmes but faces challenges in reaching remote communities. 'Many Orang Asli women remain unaware of HPV screening. Grassroots efforts are vital to encourage participation in free screenings,' Noraini said during the 'Sentuhan Ilmu dan Khidmat Pakar' CSR event at SK Pos Tenau near Ulu Slim. The three-day programme, organised by Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic (PSAS) with support from government agencies and private firms, aligns with the MADANI agenda to bridge urban-rural healthcare and education gaps. Noraini noted that early marriage among Orang Asli women often limits their access to lifelong learning opportunities, which community colleges can provide. The initiative also features the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS), offering mobile social services to underserved communities. Noraini praised PSAS for integrating technical education with community well-being through STEM activities, health screenings, and family literacy programmes.
