Malaysia's birth rate hits record low in Q1 2025, but Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang buck baby bust
Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025
By: Malay Mail Text Size: Fewer babies were born in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2025. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's birth rate has plunged to its lowest level on record, with just 93,500 babies born in the first quarter of 2025 – an 11.5 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released yesterday showed declining birth numbers, except in three states: Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.
Advertisement The three east coast states in the peninsula have total fertility rates (TFRs) above the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. 'Only Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang are recording a TFR above the replacement level,' Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said in a Facebook video presentation announcing Malaysia's population statistics. Terengganu has the highest fertility rate at 2.9, followed by Kelantan at 2.7, and Pahang at 2.1. Penang and Kuala Lumpur have the lowest TFRs at just 1.2 children per woman, while Sabah, once among the highest, has fallen to 1.4. 'Sabah recorded the fastest declining TFR, with 5.5 children in 1980 and 1.4 children in 2022,' Mohd Uzir said. The overall decline reflects a deeper fertility crisis affecting almost all states and ethnic groups. 'On average, one baby was born every minute, 43 babies per hour, and 1,039 babies daily during the first quarter of 2025,' Mohd Uzir said in his presentation. He added that TFR for all main ethnic groups has been declining, with only the Malay group reaching the replacement rate at 2.1. The ethnic Chinese community recorded the lowest fertility at just 0.8 children per woman. The national average household size has also shrunk to 3.7 persons, down from 5.5 in 1970. Perlis now has the smallest households at 3.1 people, while Kelantan has the largest at 4.8. Boys outnumber girls A total of 48,124 boys were born in the first quarter of the year compared to 45,376 girls born, putting the sex ratio at 106 males for every 100 females. Selangor recorded the highest number of births with 18,254 babies, while Labuan saw the lowest at just 278. Most mothers were between the ages of 30 and 39, accounting for 53.3 per cent of births. Mothers aged 20 to 29 contributed to 39.3 per cent, while those aged 40 and above made up 6 per cent. Only 1.4 per cent of births were to mothers below the age of 20, and three mothers were aged 55 or older. In terms of ethnicity, Malay births rose slightly to 68.8 per cent, or 64,326 babies. Other Bumiputera births increased to 12.6 per cent, while ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian births dropped to 8.6 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. Malaysia's population is now estimated at 34.2 million, growing at a slower rate of 0.9 per cent compared to 2.0 per cent in the same quarter last year. A total of 48,130 deaths were recorded in the first quarter of the year, down from 49,117 compared to the same period in 2024. Selangor also had the most deaths at 7,710, while Putrajaya recorded the fewest at just 84. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Feature: Tanzanian acrobats carry forward Chinese legacy across generations
by Xinhua writers Hua Hongli, Lucas Liganga DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- In the heart of Ilala Mchikichini, a bustling neighborhood in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam, the sound of spinning hoops and synchronized flips rings through the warm afternoon air. At the center of the action, nine-year-old Aisha Juma, a fourth-grader at Ilala Boma Primary School, twirls hula hoops with remarkable precision. "I like acrobatics because it makes me healthy and sharpens my mind," she said with a smile. Since beginning her training two years ago, Aisha has not only built strength and flexibility but also noticed better results in the classroom. Her story is the latest episode in a tradition that began nearly six decades ago, when 20 young Tanzanians were sent to China to study acrobatics -- a milestone in the history of Sino-Tanzanian cultural exchange. The program took shape after a Chinese acrobatic troupe performed in Tanzania, impressing national leaders and inspiring the idea of sending young talents for formal training in China. In the winter of 1965, Hamis Adam Nyota and 19 others -- 14 boys and five girls, aged between nine and 18 -- arrived in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei Province. "Life in China was tough at first," Nyota, born in 1954, recalls. "Most of us fell ill, except for one." Despite the challenges, they trained diligently at the Wuhan Acrobatic Institute. Their dedication led to a historic meeting in 1968 with Chairman Mao Zedong, during a visit by Tanzania's founding President Julius Nyerere. "We met Mao face to face, spoke with him, and took photos together. It was a tremendous honor," said Nyota. Returning home in 1969, the group established the National Acrobatics Troupe, the first of its kind in Africa. Under government direction, they toured extensively within Tanzania and abroad, performing in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, the Comoros, and Malawi. Nyota stayed with the troupe until 1977, when the government decentralized acrobatics training. Posted to the Mtwara region, he continued to teach even as many of his peers left the profession. Along with colleague Rajab Zubwa, he later founded Bantu International Acrobatic to revive the art. "In time, every performing arts troupe wanted to include acrobatics," Nyota said. "That's how the art grew -- both locally and internationally." One of his proteges, Saidi Ramadhani Yusuph, now serves as an instructor at Happy Center Acrobatic Talent. Inspired by visiting Chinese performers, Yusuph began training with Nyota at the age of 16. "He taught me for five years before I entered the profession," Yusuph recalled. Since becoming a teacher in 2008, Yusuph has trained over 70 students, focusing on balance skills and team activities. Despite limited facilities and modest institutional support, he remains committed to his work. "Teaching is my passion, and acrobatics is a talent within me," he said. "Acrobatics brings many benefits. Physically and mentally, it builds strength. Financially, it can provide a livelihood. We've had job opportunities through hotels, weddings, and various events, both in Tanzania and overseas," Yusuph explained. He adds that public perception has shifted. Once viewed as simple entertainment, acrobatics is now recognized as a legitimate career path. "Some artists have secured contracts abroad, earning between 1,500 and 2,000 U.S. dollars a month -- a significant income in Tanzanian terms," he said. Happy Center Acrobatic Talent, a registered institution, now boasts over 200 members. Alumni include internationally known acts such as the Ramadhani Brothers, who competed on "America's Got Talent," a popular U.S. television talent show. Nyota believes the Tanzania-China bond remains strong. "Comparing the China we visited to the China of today shows a dramatic transformation," he said. "They have progressed impressively." From the icy streets of Wuhan to the sunlit training grounds of Dar es Salaam, the story of Tanzanian acrobatics continues to unfold. As young Aisha spins her hoops with poise and joy, she carries forward a tradition that bridges continents and generations.
Focus Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Revisiting Akka Nasi Lemak: Muslim foodies claim not racist, duty-bound to enquire stall's halal status
REMEMBER Akka Nasi Lemak Viral which gained plenty of online attention with its mouthwatering offerings first catching the eye several years ago with queues at her makeshift stall legendary in length and waiting time? Viral fame has promoted humble stall operator Sangeetha Manimalar to re-locate her stall into a permanent food court in Taman Puncak Jalil where her food continues to whet appetites and delight tummies. However, a feature on Facebook foodie site HeyFood Malaysia has descended into chaos over some misunderstandings over the halal status of Akka Nasi Lemak. A simple and oft-heard enquiry led to all manner of unpleasantness when one non-Muslim commenter labelled such a question as 'stupid'. This led to much name calling from offended Muslim commenters who quite rightly claimed that they are entitled to enquire. What is wrong with asking anyway, they queried, some rather indignantly. One response surmised that the trader would know how to cater to the majority of her customers. If they are mainly Muslim, then there should be an understanding that she has done the necessary to ensure her food is consistent with the dietary restrictions of her Muslim consumers. This somewhat laissez faire attitude brought heated responses from various commenters who argued that such was not the right approach. One commenter argued that the only time such reasoning was acceptable was during an emergency. This was when one commenter responded that it was easy as the choice was with the consumer. If unsure, take your appetite and custom elsewhere. There's no reason to pour scorn on the trader who has done nothing wrong. Another commenter sought to inject some perspective by suggesting that non-Muslims support Akka Nasi Lemak as the food did indeed look delicious. However, he politely advised Muslim foodies to dine at places where they are certain of their halal status. He also pointed out that if the Muslim lady who took the video had bought the food for a non-Muslim to consume, it is fine but not otherwise. Few things this episode highlights. First and foremost, the issue of halal/haram is not to be taken lightly. It is of great significance to Muslims and goes beyond food needing to be porcine-free. Secondly, any dining establishment looking to leverage on Muslim clientele will need to obtain the necessary certification. Or at the very least to put Muslim customers' minds at ease. Last but not least, a modicum of respect for each other's beliefs is paramount in a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia. Otherwise, the future looks pretty gloomy. – Aug 12, 2025 Main image credit: HeyFood Malaysia/Facebook
The Star
18 hours ago
- The Star
Army veteran still feels the pain of losing his leg
Compiled by SALMA FAIRUS, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN A BITTER memory that remains vivid after 49 years – that is how army veteran Hamidun Kamis recalls the incident where he lost his left leg after stepping on a booby trap in 1970. The horrific incident occurred when he was 20 years old, during a patrol in a forested area near the East-West Highway, close to Tanah Merah, Kelantan. 'My platoon mates and I were on our second patrol, and on our way back, I stepped on a booby trap,' Hamidun recounted to Utusan Malaysia. 'I was thrown off my feet and my left leg was badly injured, down to the heel.' Covered in blood, Hamidun, 74, said he had to be carried by his comrades to their base camp. 'It felt like my life was hanging by a thread.' He now relies entirely on a prosthetic leg to move around. He said replacement of the prosthetic is done every three years with government assistance but the process is not easy. 'I have to contact the hospital and wait for a letter. 'If the allocation has already run out, then I have to wait and this means I have to incur additional travel expenses.' > Ever since her husband had a stroke last year, Noor Sawatry Dinar, 40, and the couple's five children have been forced to live in an abandoned house near Jalan Seelong Jaya in Johor, Kosmo! reported. The family eat only whatever is available to them, which includes vegetables foraged from the surrounding area. 'After my husband first fell ill, he was still able to work at a nearby stone factory. 'But after his second stroke last May, we lost our only source of income and could no longer afford the rent,' said Noor Sawatry. She said they had no choice but to live in the abandoned house, adding that there is no electricity. They were previously evicted from their home in Kempas, Johor, after being unable to pay the bills, following her husband's condition. 'The four children aged between eight and 14 have not been to school for almost two months because we cannot afford to send them.' The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
