The Malaysian Government is set to intensify its efforts to encourage marriage and family formation next year.
According to Kosmo!, this initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, comes in response to the nation’s alarmingly low birth rates reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) last October.
Seminars to be held
Highlighting the importance of reinforcing family institutions and reducing divorce rates, the Ministry has announced the organization of family-themed months every November to foster community bonds.
Additionally, plans are underway to host local and international programs, including seminars aimed at motivating the youth to tie the knot and start families.
It is also reported that the declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which stood at 1.6 children per woman aged 15-49 last year has hit the lowest in five decades.
Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, the Chief Statistician of Malaysia, indicated a downward trend from the previous year’s fertility rate of 1.7.
In collaboration with i-City, the Ministry is also focusing on family-oriented initiatives. Nancy announced a special discount offer on family activity packages during school holidays, valued at RM8.4 million.
