IPOH: The increase in total maternity leave under Budget 2027 could help address the low fertility rate, says Datuk Salbiah Mohamed.
The Perak women, family, social welfare, cooperatives and entrepreneur development committee chairman said the extended leave, which would allow more time to recover after childbirth and care for their babies, could potentially encourage families to have more children.
"Many young mothers are facing challenges due to limited maternity leave, particularly in finding childcare and having sufficient time to recover after giving birth.
"Perak's fertility rate stood at about 1.6 children per family, and this is a concern as we are also dealing with an ageing population," she said during a press conference after the opening of the state-level National Sports Day 2026 celebration at the State Youth and Sports Complex here on Saturday (Oct 10).
"To some extent, maternity leave gives women more room to plan their families. Hopefully, it may encourage them to have more children," she added.
Under the budget that was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (Oct 9), female civil servants are allowed a total lifetime entitlement from 360 to 490 days.
On assistance for people with disabilities, Salbiah welcomed the increase in monthly aid for bedridden disabled people and chronically ill patients from RM500 to RM600.
She said the amount could help ease the financial burden on families caring for their loved ones.
Separately, state education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said the announcement for new schools, preschool buildings and improved facilities at existing schools, including in SK Seri Chemor in Ipoh, is much appreciated.
"We understand that it is one of the schools that is overcrowded and dilapidated.
"The allocations for the ministries overseeing education, higher education, youth and sports are encouraging, as they would enable the state to implement programmes aimed at developing human capital and ensuring the smooth delivery of education," he added.
