Malaysia is grappling with a shrinking younger population due to a sharp decline in fertility rates, raising concerns about future economic and social prospects.
Malaysia is experiencing a significant demographic shift, characterized by a continuous decline in fertility rates. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported a 12.3% decrease in live births to 100,645 in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The total fertility rate (TFR) has also dropped from 2.1 children per woman in 2010 to 1.7 in 2023, falling below the replacement level of 2.1.
Experts warn that this trend could lead to labor shortages, slower economic growth, and increased strain on social welfare systems due to an aging population. Factors contributing to the decline include rising living costs, delayed marriage, urbanization, evolving gender roles, and women's career ambitions. Dr. Wan Hilya Munira Mustapha, head of the Reproductive Health Unit at LPPKN, highlights the increasing cost of living, especially in urban areas, as a major factor driving this demographic change
DEMOGRAPHY BIRTH RATES FERILITY ECONOMIC GROWTH SOCIAL WELFARE
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Malaysia Faces Significant Demographic Shift Due to Declining Fertility RateMalaysia is experiencing a notable demographic shift, marked by a continuous decline in its fertility rate. Recent demographic statistics released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reveal a 12.3% drop in live births to 100,645 in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 114,764 during the same period in the previous year. The total fertility rate (TFR) also shows a decline from 2.1 children per woman aged 15 to 49 in 2010 to 1.7 in 2023, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 children. Experts warn that this trend poses significant implications for Malaysia's future, as a shrinking youthful population due to declining fertility could lead to a shortage of human resources, slower economic growth, and an increased burden on the social welfare system to support an aging population. Factors contributing to this decline include rising living costs, delayed marriages, urbanization, shifting gender roles, and evolving career aspirations among women.
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