Latest news with #NationalPopulationandFamilyDevelopmentBoard
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Govt shifts focus to men in tackling low fertility rate
SEBERANG PRAI: The government is taking a more inclusive approach to address the declining fertility rate by putting the focus on men. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that although the national fertility rate had seen a modest rise from 1.6 to 1.7 over the past year, it was still low. She said while many existing programmes focused on women, it was time to recognise that men also played a critical role in the issue. She said people often forgot that men were also part of the equation. "It is not just about women. Some fertility issues originate from the male and we need men to understand and accept this. "This year, our outreach efforts have expanded to include road shows focused on educating men. The campaign recently launched in Sabah and will continue nationwide. "It features a 'celebrity doctor' whose message is clear: fertility is not a women-only issue," she told newsmen after the launch of the Womenpreneurs - Shaping The Future Economy programme held at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya here. Nancy said that through public talks and awareness drives, the campaign aimed to break the stigma around male infertility and foster a more supportive, shared responsibility between partners in planning for children. "Men must look into themselves and be part of the solution. "Increasing our fertility rate is a national issue, and we need to face it together," she added. Beyond education, Nancy said the government had also been investing in fertility clinics, including IVF services, through agencies like the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), which offer assistance to couples seeking to have children. Elaborating, Nancy acknowledged that one of the issues identified for the low fertility rate was the lack of support for caregiving, a major deterrent for working adults considering parenthood. She said since last year, they had been focusing on caregiving, but there were few takers. She said there needed to be a change in culture, in how people viewed caregivers. "Many see this as being a 'maid'. We do not want people to treat caregivers as maids. "We want people to see them as professionals in their own way. By doing so, we hope to increase the numbers. "We are working to professionalise the caregiving industry, provide training, and ensure caregivers are paid fairly, so families can trust and rely on them," she said. With an ageing population expected to peak by 2030, these new approaches reflect a more inclusive vision — one where men, women, and society as a whole take shared responsibility for the future of the nation.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Ministry expands support services amid rise in youth mental health cases
KUCHING: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is taking a more aggressive stance in tackling youth mental health issues by rolling out a series of early intervention initiatives, including mobile counselling services and local community support centres. Its Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is deeply concerned about the rising incidence of mental health struggles among young people and is committed to providing accessible support through programmes that involve collaboration with parents, schools and community organisations. "One of our key efforts is deploying counselling buses to targeted areas, making it easier for youths to access psychological support. "Many are unaware that they are struggling until they are given an outlet, for example, through art therapy like drawing, which can reveal suppressed emotional distress," she said. Speaking at a press conference after officiating the Kem Kapten Keluarga (Family Captain Camp) in Santubong here today, Nancy stressed that recent tragedies involving adolescents underscore the urgent need for early intervention. She cited a recent case in Melaka where a Form Five student allegedly killed his mother and elder brother. In addition to supporting youth, the ministry is promoting healthier family dynamics through initiatives such as 'second honeymoon' programmes for married couples and parenting awareness sessions for new parents, she said. The family camp, held in conjunction with the National Father's Day celebration, was organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and attended by LPPKN chairperson Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim. Nancy also urged the public to overcome stigma around mental health and to speak up or seek help when in need. "In Sarawak, for example, there are many forms of support available for students and communities. "What matters most is to talk, whether it is with a friend, a relative or someone you trust," she said. In her speech at the event, Nancy highlighted the growing demands placed on fathers in today's fast-paced society, where emotional, intellectual and social involvement is expected alongside traditional roles. Quoting findings from the 2024 Father's Day Public Opinion Survey, she noted that nine out of ten fathers admitted that parenting today is far more challenging than in previous generations. "The top concerns among fathers are the high cost of living at 84.4 per cent, and the struggle to maintain work-life balance, 72.9 per cent," she added.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
LPPKN to seek additional funding as demand for fertility treatment exceeds target
KOTA BHARU: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative, since its launch in February this year, exceeding the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, said in the light of this development, LPPKN plans to seek an additional allocation from the government to meet the growing demand. 'We introduced this programme to help couples facing fertility issues by providing free assistance through a government subsidy of RM2,000, for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. As we know, the cost of fertility treatment can be extremely high, sometimes exceeding RM50,000. 'The response so far has exceeded our target, so we will raise this matter with the ministry to request additional funds in the future,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration here, today. At the event, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail, who has garnered more than 50 accolades throughout her career, was named the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani said that, so far, several couples have successfully conceived and are expecting their firstborn by the end of this year. She advised married couples under the age of 35, who have yet to conceive, not to give up, as they are eligible to receive treatment at four LPPKN Subfertility Clinics and the LPPKN Fertility Clinic (Full Paying Patient), located in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. Meanwhile, Rohani said the 2024 Mother's Day survey revealed that nine out of ten mothers feel their responsibilities today are far more challenging, compared with the past, due to several factors, such as the cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time. 'Various initiatives are being implemented by the government, under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, and through programmes under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, including Kasih Ibu Tunggal, skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit. 'LPPKN also offers grants to parties interested in conducting research on the challenges faced by young mothers, so that we can better address their needs,' she said.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
LPPKN to seek more funds as fertility treatment demand rises
KOTA BHARU: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative, since its launch in February this year, exceeding the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, said in the light of this development, LPPKN plans to seek an additional allocation from the government to meet the growing demand. 'We introduced this programme to help couples facing fertility issues by providing free assistance through a government subsidy of RM2,000, for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. As we know, the cost of fertility treatment can be extremely high, sometimes exceeding RM50,000. 'The response so far has exceeded our target, so we will raise this matter with the ministry to request additional funds in the future,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration here, today. At the event, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail, who has garnered more than 50 accolades throughout her career, was named the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani said that, so far, several couples have successfully conceived and are expecting their firstborn by the end of this year. She advised married couples under the age of 35, who have yet to conceive, not to give up, as they are eligible to receive treatment at four LPPKN Subfertility Clinics and the LPPKN Fertility Clinic (Full Paying Patient), located in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. Meanwhile, Rohani said the 2024 Mother's Day survey revealed that nine out of ten mothers feel their responsibilities today are far more challenging, compared with the past, due to several factors, such as the cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time. 'Various initiatives are being implemented by the government, under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, and through programmes under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, including Kasih Ibu Tunggal, skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit. 'LPPKN also offers grants to parties interested in conducting research on the challenges faced by young mothers, so that we can better address their needs,' she said.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
LPPKN To Seek Additional Funding As Demand For Fertility Treatment Exceeds Target
KOTA BHARU, May 26 (Bernama) -- The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative, since its launch in February this year, exceeding the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, said in the light of this development, LPPKN plans to seek an additional allocation from the government to meet the growing demand. 'We introduced this programme to help couples facing fertility issues by providing free assistance through a government subsidy of RM2,000, for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. As we know, the cost of fertility treatment can be extremely high, sometimes exceeding RM50,000. 'The response so far has exceeded our target, so we will raise this matter with the ministry to request additional funds in the future,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration here, today. At the event, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail, who has garnered more than 50 accolades throughout her career, was named the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani said that, so far, several couples have successfully conceived and are expecting their firstborn by the end of this year. She advised married couples under the age of 35, who have yet to conceive, not to give up, as they are eligible to receive treatment at four LPPKN Subfertility Clinics and the LPPKN Fertility Clinic (Full Paying Patient), located in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. Meanwhile, Rohani said the 2024 Mother's Day survey revealed that nine out of ten mothers feel their responsibilities today are far more challenging, compared with the past, due to several factors, such as the cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time. 'Various initiatives are being implemented by the government, under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, and through programmes under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, including Kasih Ibu Tunggal, skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit.
