Access to health care and education are important for family growth, says deputy MCA sec-gen

PETALING JAYA: A minister has urged young Malaysians to start families at a time when the number of children is dwindling, but experts are pressing ahead to tackle the cost of living, healthcare, education and childcare.

The MCA proposes financial incentives, affordable childcare, and subsidies to ease the burden of parenthood, while promoting family-friendly work and positive attitudes toward parenthood.

Below is the full statement from the MCA:

A government minister recently encouraged young people to start families in response to the country’s declining birth rate and the challenges of an aging society. However, reproductive rights advocates and experts emphasize that addressing basic issues such as the cost of living, access to health care, education and early childhood is important first to encourage young people to Malaysia to start families.

MCA believes that these issues must be addressed but believes that Malaysians should not be afraid of starting a family. To support this, the government should implement several measures. Firstly, financial incentives such as tax breaks and child benefits can reduce the financial burden of raising children. In addition, affordable and accessible childcare services, including childcare centers and parental leave, are essential to support working parents.

Today the youth are facing problems that previous generations did not have. The rising cost of living is a major concern, and the government should monitor these issues closely to ensure that new parents are not burdened with the cost of feeding their children. Subsidies should be implemented, and essential items for newborn babies, such as infant formula and other necessities, should be regulated to prevent price increases. Access to health care, including prenatal health screening and support, must be affordable and accessible to ease the parenting journey.

Children are not only the bearers of our future; they are also seen as blessings and responsibilities that strengthen our lives and strengthen family ties. In Malaysian culture, it is believed that children bring their own kind of sustenance and blessings to the world. This vision can inspire young Malaysians to embrace parenthood with hope. By raising children, families can experience deep satisfaction, happiness, and a new sense of hope.

Creating family-friendly work environments, such as flexible working hours and telecommuting options, can help parents balance their work and personal lives. Public campaigns that emphasize the joys and benefits of parenthood can also change public attitudes and promote family growth.

As a mother of four who works as an orthopedic surgeon while being actively involved in politics and community work, I can attest that balancing family life with professional and social responsibilities can be achieved through good planning, a supportive environment, and strong extended family support. This perspective is important as we deal with the declining birth rate and the challenges of Malaysia’s aging population.

Finally, children are not just the future; it is a testament to our values, commitment, and commitment to building a better world. Embracing the idea that “children are a blessing” can lead to a prosperous future for our families and communities. The government should take steps to ensure that this concept continues by implementing proposed solutions, such as financial incentives, affordable childcare, and family-friendly work environments. By addressing these key areas, we can support young Malaysians to start families and contribute to a prosperous and sustainable society.

DR PAMELA YONG

MCA Deputy Secretary General

Sabah Woman MCA Chairperson