SELANGOR’S fertility rate remains below replacement level, with late marriages and changing views on having children among the contributing factors.
National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) deputy chairman Juwairiya Zulkifli said the state’s fertility rate stood at 1.6 children per woman, the same as the national rate but below the replacement level of 2.1.
Juwairiya said some young people were marrying later, while some married couples were choosing not to have children.
“These are among the factors contributing to the lower fertility rate,” she said after attending the Selangor-level Fathers Day 2026 celebration at MBPJ Civic Centre in Petaling Jaya.
She said LPPKN was addressing the issue through several initiatives, including fertility support for couples who wanted children but faced financial constraints.
Juwairiya said this included the Buai initiative, which provides subsidised fertility screening for eligible couples.
She said the programme focused on B40 families and couples who were unable to afford fertility screening and treatment at private clinics.
“For couples who qualify, the initial screening can be done for free for up to two cycles.
“The cost is about RM4,000 to RM5,000, depending on the tests required,” she said.
Juwairiya said further fertility treatment would still have to be borne by couples, but at more affordable rates compared with market prices.
She said couples interested in the programme could approach LPPKN’s Nur Sejahtera clinics nationwide.
Earlier in her speech, Juwairiya said fathers were not only family heads but also guides, protectors and role models for their children.
Juwairiya said both mothers and fathers should be celebrated as each had important roles in family development.
She added that men’s health also needed more attention as it was closely linked to family wellbeing.
Juwairiya said LPPKN was working to expand services related to men’s health, including through community programmes and health screenings.
The Fathers Day celebration was organised in cooperation with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) with the theme “Sehebat Kasih Bapa”.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said a sustainable city was not built only on physical and economic development, but also on strong family institutions and social well-being.
“Fathers play an important role in shaping the values and character of future generations.”
The event also featured a forum with Roslan Mohamad, better known as Pakcik Lan, and social media personality Wira Sudeepja Rabu, also known as Wiradihan, as panellists.
