KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Total Fertility Rate of 1.6, against a replacement rate of 2.1, reflects a global trend rather than a uniquely Malaysian crisis.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) assistant representative Tengku Aira Tengku Razif said the phenomenon is observed globally, with South Korea’s rate being significantly lower at 0.9.
She also dismissed the notion that young people are avoiding marriage or children by choice, citing a global UNFPA survey.
“We used to think young people didn’t want marriage or kids, but the survey proved otherwise,” she told reporters at the National World Population Day 2026 celebration.
Tengku Aira said young people still desire families, but face systemic barriers such as a high cost of living, childcare challenges, and the struggle to balance employment.
She added that describing Malaysia’s situation as “alarming” overlooks the global trend of the younger generation delaying marriage and childbearing for economic reasons.
According to the UNFPA survey, 88 per cent of respondents cited financial security and job stability as the primary factors shaping their family decisions.
Tengku Aira said addressing the issue requires cross-sectoral policies that extend beyond the mandate of a single agency.
“It is about the income levels required for people to feel comfortable and safe to have children,” she said.
While UNFPA has not yet completed its full analysis for Malaysia, the agency intends to expand its Demographic Futures Survey locally to gain deeper insights, she said.
It was previously reported that Malaysia’s Total Fertility Rate had fallen below the replacement level, declining from 2.1 children per woman in 2010 to 1.6 in 2022.
Sumber: NST
