PETALING JAYA: For the first time, the government is implementing targeted interventions to help the ‘sandwich’ generation make informed decisions on family planning.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the move comes as more young people are postponing or choosing not to have children.
"They have their own plans, including decisions to delay or forgo having children. While the government cannot compel them, we have a responsibility to raise awareness so they may reconsider their choices,” she said at a press conference during the 2025 National Population Conference (PERKKS25) here Wednesday (Nov 19).
Nancy explained that economic pressures, the cost of living, and responsibilities towards ageing parents make the ‘sandwich’ generation particularly affected by demographic changes, contributing to a decline in the total fertility rate (TFR).
The term ‘sandwich’ generation refers to adults caring for elderly parents while supporting their children financially and emotionally.
Regarding the declining TFR, Nancy said the government is strengthening programmes under the National Fertility Plan to assist couples needing fertility support.
These include the Fertility Treatment and Infertility Advocacy Programme (Buai), which raises awareness of male fertility issues and has registered 1,300 participants with a 12 per cent success rate.
Other initiatives include in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and Smart Start for married couples.
"The government is also expanding reproductive health education through the KafeTEEN programme for students and adolescents, covering sexual responsibility, teenage pregnancy prevention, and fertility awareness,” she added.
On the issue of an ageing population, Nancy said the government is focusing on the care economy to meet the growing needs of older citizens.
Initiatives include Elderly Activity Centres (Pawe) and the recently launched Elderly Action Plan. So far, 160 research projects on ageing have been conducted, with grants ranging from RM10,000 to RM50,000.
Nancy emphasised that the government will continue to provide policy support and interventions to address fertility issues, population ageing, and pressures on the ‘sandwich’ generation in a holistic manner. - Bernama
