Youth need supportive ecosystem to start families, not mere encouragement, says Nancy
She said many young people wish to marry and raise families, but are hindered by factors such as cost of living, unstable employment, limited access to childcare and uncertainties about the future.
"The solution lies in creating a supportive ecosystem - not in simply encouraging them to start families immediately," she said in a statement in conjunction with World Population Day 2025 on Friday (July 11).
Nancy said population issues must be viewed as a present-day crisis that requires inclusive and progressive policy action, in line with demographic shifts and the expectations of the younger generation.
Malaysia's current total fertility rate stands at 1.7 children - well below the replacement level of 2.1 - while birth rates dropped by more than 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
This year's World Population Day, themed "Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World," underscores the importance of listening to and addressing the needs of the younger generation.
The ministry, through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), remains committed to raising public awareness on population-related issues, including reproductive health rights, demographic shifts, family wellbeing and sustainable development.
To this end, the ministry is focusing on implementing comprehensive strategies to support family planning among youth, including subsidies under the Infertility Treatment Assistance and Advocacy (BuAI) programme for 1,300 eligible couples, improved childcare facilities and more flexible parental leave.
The highlight of the national-level celebration for World Population Day 2025 will take place on July 21 at Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, in collaboration with the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and the United Nations Population Fund.
In addition, state-level celebrations will be held throughout July and August via seminars on population and family-related topics, organised by LPPKN state offices in collaboration with strategic partners nationwide.
Further information on World Population Day 2025 is available at LPPKN's official website, www.lppkn.gov.my and the Population and Family Research Hub at https://mprh.lppkn.gov.my. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sarawak premier pays tribute to late wife on Women's Day
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today paid tribute to his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, during the state's 2025 Women's Day celebration. He said her quiet wisdom and graceful presence had left a lasting impact on his life and leadership. Abang Johari shared that Juma'ani played a key role behind the scenes, often offering subtle but meaningful advice that shaped him over the years. "She was never one to correct me in public. If she had something to say, she would wait until we were alone—usually in the car on the way home," he said. He recalled a moment after a formal dinner when she gently reminded him about proper etiquette. "In the car, she told me, 'Bang (referring to Abang Johari), next time don't stand up so quickly. "Look to your left and right first. We've already had our dessert, but others are just being served. "When we get up, everyone else follows, and they might miss their dessert." He said they were frequently invited to official functions, particularly dinners, and on that occasion, his early departure had unintentionally triggered others to follow suit. The celebration, held at the new state assembly complex, recognised the vital role of women in Sarawak's development. Abang Johari said women play a significant part across all sectors—including government administration, the economy and society. "They are not only mothers but are also raising children who will one day take on important roles," he said. He said that many senior positions in state departments and agencies are now held by women and expressed his appreciation for their readiness to embrace technological change. Also present at the event was Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who said Women's Day is a recognition of the important contributions women have made in shaping culture, society and the future. "It reminds us of the powerful role of women in nation-building and the creation of lasting legacies for future generations," she said. She added that this year's theme—"Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity"—was chosen to reflect Sarawak's human development agenda, which emphasises equality in diversity, regardless of geography, gender, race, religion or ability. Later, the premier presented the Premier Appreciation Awards to outstanding women and organisations for their achievements. Among the recipients were: -Nur Aleesya Dayana Mohamad Salim, who received the Young Women Leadership Award -The Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group, which received the Excellence NGO Award -Sarawak Energy Bhd, which received the Responsive Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity Award Businesswoman Mastika Jamali and Datin Catherine Kelo, who were also honoured for their leadership contributions Also in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Asfia Awang Nasar, and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Lawas set to become key livestock hub with innovative buffalo, corn projects
Rohani (seated centre) listens to a briefing by project officers during her field visit. LAWAS (Aug 1): Two agricultural projects under the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (Prospek) are expected to transform Lawas into a key livestock producer in Sarawak, according to advisor to the Sarawak Premier's Office for the Rural Projects and Programmes Monitoring Division, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim. The projects — buffalo farming in Kampung Long Tuan and corn cultivation in Kampung Long Kachu — are part of efforts to establish the Limbang Division as a producer for iconic livestock. During a site visit to Ulu Trusan on Thursday, Rohani highlighted the innovative approach of the buffalo farming project, which features Malaysia's first buffalo pen constructed with concrete pillars. 'This is a buffalo farming project, and we are seeing a new site being opened with pens made from concrete. If implemented, it would be the first of its kind in Malaysia,' she said during the visit, which followed a briefing held at Seri Malaysia Lawas Hotel. Rohani was accompanied by Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong during the visit to the Prospek sites. On the corn cultivation project, Rohani noted that 13 participants from Kampung Long Kachu are involved in planting activities spanning 13 acres. The corn serves a dual purpose: export to foreign markets and livestock feed for the Lawas area. 'The participants have applied for additional allocations, as their corn crops support both export sales and livestock feeding needs,' she explained. Rohani, a former Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and previously Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, praised the creativity shown by local participants, describing the projects as highly successful. Encouraged by the positive developments, she pledged to submit a report supporting applications to expand both projects in the Trusan area. 'These projects underscore the government's commitment to sustainable rural economic development through agricultural and community empowerment,' she said. The Prospek projects in Lawas are expected to generate additional income sources for rural communities while contributing to Sarawak's agricultural output and food security. farming Lawas livestock PROSPEK
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
SIS drops ‘Islam' from name on Selangor sultan's advice
SIS executive director Rozana Isa said the group will continue advocating for Muslim women despite the name change. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Women's rights group Sisters in Islam (SIS) has dropped the word 'Islam' from its public-facing name following advice from Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. The group said the decision was made during an extraordinary general meeting on July 11, and that it would now use its registered name, SIS Forum (Malaysia). 'Even as we drop the word 'Islam' from our pen name, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating gender equality and justice in Islamic family law,' the group's executive director, Rozana Idris, said in a statement today. 'At the end of the day, it is the work we do for Muslim women and for Malaysian citizens that matters the most.' Sultan Sharafuddin said in a June 20 post on his official Facebook page that SIS should cease arbitrarily using the word 'Islam' in its name or any of the company's publications, as this could confuse the Muslim community. This came after the Federal Court ruled that a fatwa could not be imposed on an organisation like SIS, which could not 'profess' a religion. Rozana expressed hope that SIS Forum's decision would put an end to a long-standing contention over its name and allow it to continue working 'in good faith with all parties'. 'Unfortunately, for too long, our work has been misrepresented and misunderstood by some quarters. 'We are not here to challenge Islam, but to ask that laws meant to protect women do not fail them,' she said. She said SIS Forum would continue working with scholars, community leaders, and institutions to ensure that no woman is left behind in the pursuit of justice. 'Women are equal in the eyes of God. Surely, they must also be seen and treated as equal in the eyes of men.'
