PETALING JAYA: A minister urged young Malaysians to start families amid declining fertility, but experts stress addressing living costs, healthcare, education, and childcare first.
MCA suggests financial incentives, affordable childcare, and subsidies to ease parenthood burdens, while promoting family-friendly work and positive views on parenthood.
Below is the full statement from MCA:
A government minister recently urged young people to start families in response to the country’s declining fertility rate and the challenges of an ageing society. However, reproductive rights advocates and experts emphasise that addressing fundamental issues such as living costs, access to healthcare, education, and infant nurseries is crucial before encouraging young Malaysians to start families.
MCA acknowledges these issues must be addressed but believes Malaysians should not be overly fearful of starting families. To support this, the government should implement several measures. Firstly, financial incentives such as tax breaks and child allowances can alleviate the financial burden of raising children. Additionally, affordable and accessible childcare services, including subsidised nurseries and parental leave, are essential to support working parents.
Young people today face challenges that previous generations did not. Rising living costs are a significant concern, and the government should closely monitor these issues to ensure new parents are not burdened by the cost of feeding their children. Subsidies should be implemented, and essential items for newborns, such as formula milk and other necessities, should be regulated to prevent price hikes. Access to healthcare, including health screenings and support during childbirth, must be affordable and readily available to ease the journey of parenthood.
Children are not just carriers of our future; they are also seen as blessings and responsibilities that enrich our lives and strengthen family bonds. In Malaysian culture, it is believed that children bring their own form of sustenance and blessings into the world. This perspective can inspire young Malaysians to embrace parenthood with optimism. By raising children, families can experience profound fulfilment, joy, and a renewed sense of hope.
Creating family-friendly work environments, such as flexible working hours and remote work options, can help parents balance their professional and personal lives. Public campaigns that highlight the joys and benefits of parenthood can also shift societal attitudes and encourage family growth.
As a mother of four who practices as a specialist orthodontist while actively participating in politics and community work, I can attest that balancing family life with professional and civic responsibilities is achievable with good planning, a supportive environment, and strong extended family support. This perspective is crucial as we address the declining fertility rate and the challenges of an ageing society in Malaysia.
Ultimately, children are not just the future; they are a testament to our values, resilience, and commitment to building a better world. Embracing the mindset that "children are a blessing" can lead to a thriving future for families and our nation. The government should take steps to ensure this mindset continues by implementing the suggested solutions, such as financial incentives, affordable childcare, and family-friendly work environments. By addressing these key areas, we can support young Malaysians in starting families and contribute to a more prosperous and stable society.
DR PAMELA YONG
MCA Deputy Secretary General
Wanita Sabah MCA Chairperson
