Malaysia Faces Birth Crisis, This Is The Reason The Young Generation Chooses To Postpone Having Children

Malaysia's illustration faces a birth crisis as the younger generation continues to delay having children. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Malaysia's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) decreased sharply to 1.7 children per woman in 2023, down from 4.0 children per girl in 1980.

According to the National Family Population and Development Institute (LPPKN), this decline indicates a demographic change towards an aging population, while in the younger generation there is a demographic crisis because not a few delay having children.

The Director General of LPPKN, Datuk Abdul Shukur Abdullah, explained that this decline was influenced by lifestyle changes, increased living expenses, postponement of marriage, and the tendency of people to have smaller families.

"The increase in women's participation in higher education and the world of work also affects decisions in family planning," said Abdul Shukur, quoted from The Star's website.

"At the same time, financial pressure, career priorities, reproductive health problems, and infertility are important factors that must be handled thoroughly," he continued.

This statement was conveyed through the Director of the Research, Population and Family Division of the LPPKN, Adzmel Mahmod, at the 2025 release Population Seminar which was held to coincide with World Population Day in Arau, Monday, August 11, 2025.

To overcome the decline in birth rates, Abdul Shurur said the government had implemented the initiative of Fertility Care and Infertility Advocacy Assistance (Buai), which includes assistance such as intra-uterine insemination (IUI) to increase birth rates while also expanding public awareness regarding fertility issues.

He added that TFR Perlis in 2023 was at 1.7, and the number of births also decreased from 4,392 in 2016 to 3,878 in 2024.

"This seminar is on time to discuss policies and strategies to slow down fertility rates, as well as prepare Perlis to face rapid demographic changes through three-pillar-focused programs, namely population development, family development, and human reproduction." he concluded.