AN MCA leader said Malaysians should not be too wary of starting families amid the various economic issues plaguing the country.
MCA deputy secretary-general Dr Pamela Yong’s comment on the matter came in response to remarks made by Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri over the country’s declining fertility rate.
It is crucial to note, however, that reproductive rights advocates and experts had emphasised, in response to Nancy’s statement, that fundamental issues such as living costs, access to healthcare, education and infant nurseries need to be addressed before encouraging young Malaysians to start families.
“MCA acknowledges that these issues must be addressed but believes Malaysians should not be overly fearful of starting families,” Yong said in a statement on Friday (Aug 23).
“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.”
According to Yong, who is also the Wanita MCA Sabah chairperson, young people today face challenges that previous generations did not, with rising living costs being a significant concern.
As such, the government should closely monitor these issues to ensure new parents are not burdened by the cost of feeding their children, she added.
“Subsidies should be implemented, and essential items for newborns, such as formula milk and other necessities, should be regulated to prevent price hikes,” Yong reckoned.
“Access to healthcare, including health screenings and support during childbirth, must be affordable and readily available to ease the journey of parenthood.”
Moreover, 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,” Yong remarked.
“This perspective is crucial as we address the declining fertility rate and the challenges of an ageing society in Malaysia.”
Yong said 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,” she continued.
“By addressing these key areas, we can support young Malaysians in starting families and contribute to a more prosperous and stable society.’
On June 27, Nancy said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) fell below replacement level, declining from 2.1 children per woman in 2010 to 1.6 in 2022.
She said the decreases were linked to marriage age decisions and infertility issues, among others.
Citing statistics from the Vital Statistics Report 2023 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Nancy disclosed the TFR for all major ethnic groups in Malaysia shows a declining trend.
Between 2010 and 2022, the TFR for Malays reportedly decreased from 2.6 children to 2.0 children, Chinese (from 1.5 children to 0.8 children), and Indians (from 1.7 children to 1.1 children). – Aug 23, 2024
Main image: FMT
