KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is attempting to boost declining fertility rates by expanding access to affordable fertility treatments and financial aid, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Recognising the global trend of falling birth rates, she said the government has allocated RM5.2mil in 2025 to subsidise intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures, benefiting 1,300 couples.
“I strongly encourage men to visit the National Population and Family Development Board, as they have specialised doctors to assist.
“We aim to support couples facing fertility challenges, especially through affordable treatments at the board’s facilities,” Nancy said in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 20).
She was responding to MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh), who asked about the measures taken by the ministry to increase the country's birth rate and the initiatives in place to encourage people to have more children.
Nancy said the board offers fertility screening and treatment for men, including procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA).
Additionally, she said the board’s Men’s Wellness Clinic plays a role in raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, including smoking cessation, weight management, and balanced nutrition. Screening packages are available at sub-facilities in Kuala Lumpur (Central Zone) and Johor Bahru (Southern Zone).
"To ease financial burdens, the government is increasing early schooling assistance to RM800mil in 2025, up from RM702mil in 2024. Additional support is available for parents of autistic children, covering educational aid and private school assistance," she added.
Malaysia’s total fertility rate (TFR) reached 1.7 in 2023, a slight rise from 1.6 in 2022, but still below the replacement level of 2.1.
“Economic factors and lifestyle choices contribute to the decline, and we are taking a holistic approach to address this,” Nancy said.
The government also plans to establish a National Subfertility Centre, offering advanced fertility treatments under one roof.
“Through financial incentives, awareness campaigns, and comprehensive healthcare services, we are committed to ensuring a balanced demographic for Malaysia’s future,” she added.
