Malaysia’s birth rate has been declining for decades, and new explanations offered in Parliament show that the trend is shaped by rising financial pressures, difficulties finding compatible partners, and the pursuit of career advancement. 

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said these factors are influencing how young Malaysians approach marriage and family formation. The issue is drawing more policy attention as a falling birth rate affects the country’s long-term demographic and economic outlook.

Why Malaysia’s Birth Rate Is Falling

Malaysia’s total fertility rate dropped to 1.6 children per woman last year. This is far below the replacement level of 2.1, and marks a sharp decline from 4.9 children per woman in 1970 and 2.1 in 2010.

Findings from the Fifth Malaysian Population and Family Survey (MPFS-5) show that young adults cite financial constraints, difficulty finding suitable partners, and career priorities as the main reasons for delaying marriage. These pressures have shifted attitudes toward long-term commitments, with many postponing marriage until they feel more financially secure.

The survey also highlights how decisions about having children reflect the realities of living costs, housing affordability, job stability, and lifestyle expectations. As a result, starting a family feels more challenging than it did for previous generations.

Rising Infertility Adds Another Layer Of Difficulty

Noraini also explained that infertility contributes to Malaysia’s declining birth rate. MPFS-5 data shows infertility increased from 6.8% in 2004 to 8.6% in 2014.

Although the most recent survey year is older, the trend aligns with global patterns influenced by medical, environmental, and lifestyle factors. As fertility declines with age, couples who delay marriage or parenthood may face additional difficulties. This increases the need for accessible reproductive-health services, which can be costly in private facilities.

How The Government Is Responding

In response to Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee’s question, Dr Noraini outlined several measures introduced to support reproductive health and improve access to treatment.

Malaysia offers longstanding affordable subfertility services through government facilities, and has established seven men’s wellness clinics focusing on male-factor fertility issues.

The Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme provides free intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment to 1,300 couples. Advocacy and education efforts have reached 30,000 beneficiaries. Public awareness activities, including the 2025 World Population Day campaign, also aim to improve understanding of fertility challenges and encourage early intervention. Together, these measures form a broader effort to ensure Malaysians receive timely reproductive-health support.

Supporting Marriage And Family Stability

Beyond clinical assistance, Putrajaya introduced the Smart Start 2.0 programme to strengthen marital readiness. The programme offers guidance on communication skills, shared responsibilities, and family-life preparation. These efforts acknowledge that stability within relationships plays an important role in decisions about starting families.

Public Fertility Services And Long-Term Investment

Malaysia currently operates four subfertility clinics under the National Population and Family Development Board. These clinics serve the northern region (Penang), central region (Kuala Lumpur), southern region (Johor Baru), and East Malaysia (Kuching).

They provide screening, consultations, and fertility treatments at more affordable rates than private centres, reducing one of the biggest barriers couples face when seeking medical help.

The government allocated RM7 million to support the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme. An additional RM171 million has been approved to develop Malaysia’s first National Sub-Fertility Centre, which is expected to expand access, shorten waiting times, and support more advanced reproductive treatments.

Financial Support For Couples Seeking Treatment

To ease the financial burden, Employees Provident Fund contributors may withdraw savings for fertility-related treatments. Couples undergoing these procedures are also eligible for tax relief of up to RM10,000. Civil servants may additionally claim medical expenses for fertility treatment under government benefits.

These measures reflect the government’s effort to make fertility care more accessible and reduce the financial challenges that many households face when seeking treatment.

What This Means For Malaysia’s Future

Malaysia’s declining birth rate is driven by a mix of financial, social, and medical factors. Young adults navigating higher living costs, career demands, and shifting expectations naturally delay marriage and parenthood. At the same time, rising infertility adds a medical hurdle that earlier generations experienced less acutely.

Government initiatives show a growing awareness of these interconnected challenges. More accessible fertility treatments, targeted awareness campaigns, and long-term investments in reproductive-health infrastructure are meaningful steps toward supporting Malaysians who wish to start families.

However, reversing the downward trend will require continued efforts across housing, employment, childcare support, and healthcare access. A sustainable approach to family and population well-being depends on creating an environment where Malaysians can build and raise families with confidence and stability.

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