Latest news with #TheLightHotel
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Govt shifts focus to men in tackling low fertility rate
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.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Journos lauded for vital role amid digital deluge
Chow (foreground, in multi-coloured shirt) and Mohd Iskandar (on Chow's left) with journalists during the cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of Kelab Media Mutiara Pulau Pinang. — Buletin Mutiara IN an environment where the landscape is crowded with misinformation, manipulation and rapid digital dissemination, journalists serve as the boundary between fact and falsehood, truth and distortion, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He said the role of the media had never been more important as society struggled to navigate such a landscape. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Kelab Media Mutiara Pulau Pinang and National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya, Chow said Penang government valued the media as a strategic partner in the state's development. State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported Chow as describing the media as one of the most important entities in disseminating accurate and timely information to the public. He also commended journalists for their unwavering commitment to the truth, especially during challenging periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic. 'I remember clearly how during the pandemic, while movement was restricted for most people, our journalist friends were still out on the ground, risking their safety to deliver timely and accurate information. That dedication brought hope and clarity to many. 'Journalists of integrity are not just news writers. 'They are bearers of verified information, agents of checks and balances in a democratic nation and influencers of public thought. 'In a world saturated with fast and often confusing information, journalists play a critical role in filtering, investigating, and ensuring that what is shared is accurate and truthful,' he said during the event. The Chief Minister also said that the anniversary marked 10 years of impactful reporting and meaningful engagement with the people of Penang. Chow added that National Journalists Day was an important day to recognise the vital role played by journalists around the world, often in the face of grave risks, including threats to their lives. 'It is also a day to appreciate the media for giving voice to the voiceless. 'That role remains essential and must be carried out effectively.' Chow said journalists today must embrace emerging technologies and face a range of modern challenges, but added that these challenges also brought new opportunities. Also present were Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Kelab Media Mutiara Pulau Pinang president Mohd Iskandar Othman, past presidents Ahmad Zhafaran Mohamed and Imran Hilmy Tawfik Hilmy, club members, sponsors and guests. In his speech, Mohd Iskandar said since its formation in 2015, the club had organised a wide range of programmes, from community outreach and professional development to recreational and welfare activities. To mark its 10th anniversary, the club introduced 10 special programmes. 'As media practitioners, we do more than report the news. 'We are the voice of the people, narrative builders and custodians of truth. 'And in this challenging digital age, we must remain ethical, credible and courageous in speaking the truth,' Mohd Iskandar said in his speech. He also encouraged part-time or contract-based media personnel to register with PERKESO for protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Mohd Iskandar announced that the club sent 10 representatives to attend the national-level Hawana celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
