Sarawak among states given attention in efforts to increase birth rate, says minister

KUCHING: The federal Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has proposed fertility-related programmes under the National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB) to help boost the country's Total Fertility Rate (TFR).

Caption: Minister Nancy Shukri says that a study on fertility rates has also been conducted to identify factors influencing the birth rate, but the findings would be shared at an appropriate time.

The minister Nancy Shukri said Sarawak and Penang are among the states that need attention in efforts to increase the birth rate, including through programmes that help couples facing difficulties conceiving.

"Yes, there are indeed programmes under the board. The budget for that is placed under the board, and there are indeed several programmes we want to carry out. Actually, we have already implemented it, but we want to focus on it next year so that we can encourage more people, especially among young people, to have more children," she told reporters after attending the launch of PERANTIS-PENDAYA 2.0: Empowering Dayak Women Entrepreneurs for Leadership, Scale and Sustainability, at Dayak Chamber Tower today.

She said the effort also takes into account the economic factors faced by young couples, and that this aspect would also be addressed by the government through the relevant ministry.

She said a study on fertility rates has also been conducted to identify factors influencing the birth rate, but the findings would be shared at an appropriate time.

Nancy said her ministry will be proposing an increase in allocation for next year to meet the needs of target groups and expand efforts to boost the country's fertility rate.

She said the ministry's proposed budget focuses on economic equity, women, persons with disabilities (OKU), senior citizens and welfare aid recipients.

She said the ministry's budget is expected to increase due to a rise in the number of welfare recipients, besides taking into account the needs of programme implementation, construction and maintenance work.

She said the budget allocation proposed by the ministry is still subject to approval, with the final amount depending on the government's decision.
Also present were President of the Women Empowerment and Sustainability Network Association (WESNA) Kuching, Dr Carolina Sandra Giang, and Vice President of WESNA Kuching, Dr Florince Christy.