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Daily Express
15-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Malaysia's birth rate hits record low in Q1 2025, but Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang buck baby bust
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 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
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Putra Heights fire victims receive RM212,000 relief from Central Spectrum and collaborators
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with 15 corporate partners, has contributed RM212,000 to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights. — Picture by Firdaus Latif KLANG: Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with 15 corporate partners, has contributed RM212,000 to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, as part of its commitment to societal well-being. Central Spectrum chief executive officer Mohd Zapi Abdullah said the contribution will be channelled directly to Tabung Selangor Prihatin to provide vital assistance to affected residents and their families. 'Our collective contribution of RM212,000 is a reflection of our deep commitment to standing with the community during difficult times. 'It is during moments like these that unity, compassion and swift action truly matter,' he told Bernama during Central Spectrum's Raya Open House 2025 at its Sales Gallery in Pulau Indah here yesterday. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was also present at the event, alongside community members, corporate partners and dignitaries. The fire incident on April 1 destroyed 81 homes with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while 81 homes were partially destroyed. Another 57 homes were impacted but not burned, and 218 homes, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong, were unaffected. In line with its tradition of community care, Central Spectrum also presented duit raya to students from Maahad Tahfiz Darul Furqon, Pulau Indah, to bring festive cheer and reaffirm its commitment to nurturing future generations. Mohd Zapi also announced upcoming developments, including a waterfront residential project at Laguna Park and a logistics gateway in Precinct 1B, Pulau Indah. 'These projects are set to drive growth and innovation across Pulau Indah over the next four years. With a steadfast focus on community empowerment, sustainable development, and humanitarian impact, Central Spectrum continues to shape a future where business success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility,' he said. Central Spectrum, a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), is the master developer behind key projects including Pulau Indah Industrial Park, Selangor Halal Hub, and SBB Industrial Park, positioning Pulau Indah as a thriving hub for industrial, residential, and commercial growth. * 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
Daily Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Penang must shift from ‘Made in Malaysia' to ‘Made by Malaysia', says HR minister amid global uncertainty
Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: In a statement on April 21, the Human Resources Ministry outlined a vision to move beyond the conventional 'Made in Penang/Malaysia' branding to a new paradigm — 'Made by Penang/Malaysia' — emphasising homegrown innovation, technology ownership, and talent development. — File picture by Firdaus Latif GEORGE TOWN: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has called on Penang's semiconductor and advanced technology industries to reimagine the state's future amid global economic uncertainty, urging a bold shift from a traditional manufacturing hub to a high-value, innovation-driven economy. In a statement yesterday, the Human Resources Ministry outlined a vision to move beyond the conventional 'Made in Penang/Malaysia' branding to a new paradigm — 'Made by Penang/Malaysia' — emphasising homegrown innovation, technology ownership, and talent development. Sim urged industry leaders to adopt what he described as 'strategic optimism' in facing global headwinds, encouraging them to turn uncertainty into opportunity and accelerate Malaysia's transition into a resilient, innovation-led economy. 'This vision centres on nurturing local talent, developing homegrown technology, and attracting strategic investments. 'We want Penang-based companies to not only serve global supply chains but also to innovate, design, and own technologies supported by Malaysian expertise,' he said. Recognising the challenges faced by the industry, the statement noted that the government is implementing targeted measures to strengthen the national economy, including internal consolidation, regional integration, and international diversification. Sim's remarks were made in conjunction with two industrial dialogues organised by InvestPenang over the weekend. The sessions were attended by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, InvestPenang CEO Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and more than 30 stakeholders from the semiconductor and high-tech sectors, including representatives from multinational corporations (MNCs) and local SMEs. The dialogues focused on the impact of global economic shifts and Malaysia's long-term positioning in the global value chain. As Malaysia holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, Sim also highlighted the country's role in leading efforts to strengthen ASEAN as a cohesive economic bloc. He referenced a recent joint statement by ASEAN Economic Ministers reaffirming the region's commitment to navigating global market volatility together. Sim added that while Malaysia continues to engage with traditional trade partners, it is also expanding its reach by deepening ties with emerging global players such as BRICS, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership member states, and its ASEAN neighbours. 'This strategy is not only about building trade resilience — Malaysia can also leverage its non-trade strategic advantages. 'Our strategic location, multicultural society, and standing as a stable middle power continue to attract global investors looking for neutrality and certainty,' Sim said. Echoing Sim's sentiments, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong said the evolving global trade landscape presents an opportunity for Penang and Malaysia to leapfrog from a foreign direct investment (FDI)-driven, outsourced manufacturing model to a more self-sufficient, innovation-based economy. Meanwhile, Loo observed that companies are currently reassessing their strategies in light of growing global uncertainties. 'While some are evaluating the full impact on supply chains, others believe it is still too early to predict long-term implications. 'Businesses have welcomed the Malaysian government's non-confrontational approach and its plans for sustained international engagement,' she said. * 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
