KOTA KINABALU: The government must address issues related to the burden faced by families with children and the current cost of living before it wants to encourage youths to start families.
MCA deputy secretary-general Datuk Dr Pamela Yong said there must be a focus on support during childbirth, and for families raising children. She said things must be affordable for people to ease their journey in parenthood.
"Reproductive rights advocates and experts emphasise that addressing fundamental issues such as living costs, access to healthcare, education and infant nurseries are crucial before encouraging young Malaysians to start families.
"To support this, the government should implement several measures. Firstly, financial incentives such as tax breaks and child allowances can alleviate the financial burden of raising children.
"Additionally, affordable and accessible childcare services, including subsidised nurseries and parental leave, are essential to support working parents," she said in a statement.
Yong said creating family-friendly work environments, such as flexible working hours and remote work options, can help parents balance their professional and personal lives."
She was commenting on Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri's recent statement who encouraged people in the country to marry and start families at a young age following the low birth rate reported last year.
Yong, who is Sabah Wanita MCA chief, added that the government should closely monitor vital issues surrounding child nurturing to ensure new parents are not burdened by the rising cost of making ends meet.
She said there was nothing wrong with encouraging Malaysians to start families when they are young, but factors such as cost of living remain a pertinent issue for all.
She said : "Public campaigns that highlight the joys and benefits of parenthood can also shift societal attitudes and encourage family growth."