GOMBAK, Aug 31 — The state government will work with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) to address Selangor’s declining fertility rate.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the effort will educate the people on the importance of family institutions, and won’t focus solely on progress.
“Selangor’s fertility rate is quite concerning, at 1.5 children per woman compared with the generation-replacing rate of 2.1 children.
“Among the main factors for this decline are economic conditions and late marriage. This must be addressed one by one through collective efforts so the people understand the importance of family institutions.
“Thus, we will work with the LPPKN by holding family programmes, and with the education department to instill awareness among schoolchildren,” she said when met at the Taman Templer People and Culture Sports Carnival here today.
The Taman Templer assemblyman previously said the trend of marrying late is one of the reasons for Selangor’s low fertility rate.
Anfaal added that late marriage reduces youth’s productive period, which is usually limited before they reach 40 to 50 years of age.
