PETALING JAYA, Nov 19 — The government will launch targeted interventions to help the “sandwich generation” make informed decisions on family planning, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, as more young people delay or choose not to have children.
The term “sandwich generation” refers to adults caring for elderly parents while supporting their children financially and emotionally.
“They have their own plans, including decisions to delay or forgo having children. While the government cannot compel them, we have a responsibility to raise awareness so they may reconsider their choices,” she told the media during the National Population Conference here today.
Nancy explained that economic pressures, living costs, and responsibilities towards ageing parents make the sandwich generation particularly affected by demographic changes, contributing to a decline in the total fertility rate (TFR).
Regarding the declining TFR, Nancy said the government is strengthening programmes under the National Fertility Plan to assist couples needing fertility support.
These include the Fertility Treatment and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BUAI), which raises awareness of male fertility issues and has registered 1,300 participants with a 12 per cent success rate.
Other initiatives include in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and Smart Start for married couples.
“The government is also expanding reproductive health education through the KafeTEEN programme for students and adolescents, covering sexual responsibility, teenage pregnancy prevention, and fertility awareness,” she added.
On the issue of an ageing population, Nancy said the government is focusing on the care economy to meet the growing needs of older citizens.
Initiatives include Elderly Activity Centres (PAWE) and the recently launched Elderly Action Plan. So far, 160 research projects on ageing have been conducted, with grants ranging from RM10,000 to RM50,000.
Nancy emphasised that the government will continue to provide policy support and interventions to address fertility issues, ageing population, and pressures on the sandwich generation in a holistic manner.
