KUALA SELANGOR: The government is targeting 30,000 couples nationwide to benefit from subsidised fertility treatment assistance, aimed at increasing the birth rate which is currently at its lowest level.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said applications can be made under the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BUAI), managed by the National Population and Family Development Board.
"Through strategic collaboration between the board and selected hospitals, couples facing challenges conceiving will be assisted, particularly those who meet the eligibility criteria such as for their first childbirth.
"The programme also helps couples undergo fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination procedures and provides advocacy support to address the declining fertility issue," she said.
She said this when speaking at the Institut Sosial Malaysia executive talk programme at the Al-Sultan Abdullah Hospital, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam, here on Wednesday (Oct 22).
Noraini also said the ministry had also introduced the Family Education Programme and the Reproductive and Family Health Education Club to expose university students to reproductive health knowledge and family values.
Noraini said Malaysia is currently experiencing significant demographic transformation due to a declining birth rate and an increase in life expectancy.
She said reproductive health and family policies must remain a core priority for the nation in addressing major challenges involving the health system, social networks and economic resilience.
According to the Vital Statistics, Malaysia, 2025 report released by the Statistics Department on Oct 16, Malaysia recorded the lowest number of live births since 1980, with 414,918 births in 2024, a nine% drop from 455,761 in 2023.
Noraini also said the government allocation to construct the National Subfertility Centre in Seksyen 17, Shah Alam will remain at RM171mil even though there have been price increases in construction materials.
"The construction cost of the centre remains as previously approved and is unaffected despite the increase in building material prices in the market. The project is expected to be completed and operational by 2029. – Bernama
