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NewsNewsMalaysia's government targets 30,000 couples with subsidised fertility treatment assistance through the BUAI programme to address the nation's declining birth rate.
Malaysia's government has launched an ambitious initiative targeting 30,000 couples nationwide to benefit from subsidised fertility treatment assistance, addressing the country's declining birth rate which has reached its lowest level since 1980. The programme, managed by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), aims to increase the birth rate through strategic healthcare interventions and family support mechanisms.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad unveiled the initiative during the Institut Sosial Malaysia Executive Talk Programme at Al-Sultan Abdullah Hospital, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam on October 22. The fertility treatment assistance programme, formally known as the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BUAI), represents a comprehensive approach to supporting couples facing conception challenges.
"Through strategic collaboration between LPPKN and selected hospitals, couples facing challenges in conceiving will be assisted, particularly those who meet the eligibility criteria, such as for their first childbirth," Dr Noraini explained. The fertility treatment assistance initiative covers intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures and provides advocacy support specifically designed to address Malaysia's declining fertility issue.
The government's commitment extends beyond clinical intervention. The ministry has introduced complementary programmes including the Family Education Programme (PEKERTI Smart Start) and the Reproductive and Family Health Education Club (KPTI) to expose university students to reproductive health knowledge and family values. Through KPTI, university students become volunteers and peer educators, sharing critical knowledge about reproductive health with their peers.
Malaysia faces significant demographic transformation challenges. According to the Vital Statistics Malaysia 2025 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the nation recorded 414,918 live births in 2024, a nine per cent decline from 455,761 in 2023, marking the lowest birth rate since 1980. This demographic shift necessitates urgent policy interventions.
Dr Noraini emphasised that the fertility treatment assistance initiative aligns with the government's commitment to strengthening family institutions while supporting national population sustainability. "Reproductive health and family policies must remain a core priority for the nation in addressing major challenges involving the health system, social networks and economic resilience," she stated.
The BUAI programme's implementation through strategic partnerships with hospitals ensures accessibility across the nation. By combining clinical fertility treatments with educational initiatives, Malaysia's government demonstrates a multifaceted approach to reversing fertility decline while promoting informed family planning decisions.
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