Addressing Malaysia’s Declining Birth Rate: A Complex Issue Requiring Holistic Solutions
The Problem
PETALING JAYA: During a parliamentary debate last Thursday, Hulu Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid urged the government to introduce more incentives to address Malaysia’s declining birth rate and controversially suggested polygamy as a potential solution.
The Decline in Fertility Rate
Malaysia’s fertility rate has dropped to 1.6 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1, with the decline being consistent since 2013. According to the Statistics Department, Malaysia’s live birth rate in the third quarter of 2024 was 100,645, reflecting a 12.3% decrease compared with 113,764 in the same period in 2023.
Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to the Decline
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) sociology and anthropology lecturer Prof Dr Novel Lyndon highlighted that the decline in fertility rate stems from various socio-economic factors, including urban living costs, financial constraints, and health challenges affecting fertility. "High living expenses, particularly in urban areas, discourage families from having more children. These pressures, coupled with fertility-related health issues, create a scenario where population growth stalls, risking labor shortages and increasing reliance on foreign workers."
The Role of Polygamy in Addressing the Issue
While polygamy is permissible within certain religious frameworks, Prof Dr Lyndon emphasized that it clashes with modern societal values shaped by feminism and gender equality. "There is a need to balance these two paradigms if such solutions are to be seriously considered."
Holistic Interventions Required
To address the fertility crisis, Prof Dr Lyndon proposed the government introduce targeted financial incentives for families with more than two children and workplace policies that encourage family building, such as flexible work arrangements and subsidized childcare. "Addressing the fertility crisis requires a holistic intervention from the government. Financial incentives alone may not suffice without systemic changes that reduce the burden of marriage and parenthood."
The Role of Modern Couples and Their Priorities
UKM research centre for psychology and well-being senior lecturer Dr Salina Nen concurred that the growing trend of "child-free" couples is attributed to financial pressures, mental health challenges, and shifting personal priorities among modern couples. "Many weigh the financial and emotional costs of parenting against their current circumstances. High living costs, expensive childcare and education often discourage them from having children. Mental health struggles also lead to a sense of unpreparedness for the responsibilities of raising a child," she said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing Malaysia’s declining birth rate requires a multifaceted approach that considers the complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and personal factors. While polygamy may be a solution for some, it is essential to consider the broader societal implications and the need to balance traditional values with modern societal norms. By introducing targeted incentives and policies that support family building, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main factors contributing to Malaysia’s declining birth rate?
A: Urban living costs, financial constraints, and health challenges affecting fertility are the primary factors.
Q: Is polygamy a viable solution to address the fertility crisis?
A: While polygamy is permissible within certain religious frameworks, it clashes with modern societal values shaped by feminism and gender equality, and its implementation requires careful consideration of the broader societal implications.
Q: What are the proposed solutions to address the fertility crisis?
A: Targeted financial incentives for families with more than two children, workplace policies that encourage family building, and subsidies for childcare and education are some of the proposed solutions.