POPULATION AND FAMILY POLICIES IN MALAYSIA Dato’ Dr. Siti Norlasiah Ismail Director General National Population and Family Development Board National Population Conference on the Inter-Relationship Between Population Dynamics and Development Palm Garden Hotel, IOI Resort, Putrajaya 26 June 2014

Outline Malaysia Demographic Trends Evolution of Population Policy in Malaysia Other Population-related Policies Family in Malaysia Family Policy in Malaysia The National Family Policy Moving Ahead: Some Recommendations for Family Policy

Can We Achieve 70 Million? 6.3 million 1957: 1970: 10.4 million 1991: 18.4 million 2000: 23.3 million 2010: 28.3 million According to the latest UN population projection, Malaysia population will be peak around 44.2 million in 2070 (United Nations, World Population Prospect, 2012) 70 million target would not be achieved Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia

Percent Distribution of Population and Dependency Ratio The Share of Working-Age Population has Soared from 50% in 1970 to 65% in 2010. But Young People is Declining Percent Distribution of Population and Dependency Ratio Age Group 1957 1970 1980 1991 2000 2010 0 - 14 43.8 44.9 39.9 36.5 33.3 27.4 15 - 59 51.6 49.9 54.6 57.7 60.5 64.8 60 and above 4.6 5.2 5.5 5.8 6.2 7.9 Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia

We are at the “Replacement Fertility Level” ! Total fertility rate, Malaysia, 1963 – 2012 4.9 3.9 3.4 3.0 According to the United Nations fertility projections, taken the medium fertility assumption, Malaysia TFR’s will drop to 1.91 in 2020 TFR will further drop to the lowest 1.76 in the period of 2045-2050. After the year 2055, the TFR will increase slightly to 1.84 in the period of 2095-2100. Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, Various Vital Statistics, 1963-2010.

Singulate mean age at first marriage (SMAM), Malaysia, 1970 to 2010 People Now Marry Later Singulate mean age at first marriage (SMAM), Malaysia, 1970 to 2010 Year SMAM (years) Men Women 1970 25.6 22.1 1980 26.6 23.5 1991 27.9 24.6 2000 28.6 25.1 2010 28.0 25.7 Source: World Marriage Data 2012, United Nations

Malaysia Will Becoming An Ageing Nation in 2035   Percentage of population aged 60 years or older, Malaysia, 1990 to 2040 Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (1995), Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, 1991. Department of Statistics Malaysia (2001), Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, 2000. Department of Statistics Malaysia (2012), Population Projections, Malaysia, 2010-2040

Evolution of Population Policy in Malaysia Began from the period of the 1st Malaysian Plan (1966-1970) Led to the passage of the National Family Planning Act No. 42, 1966 National Family Planning Programme launched

Evolution of Population Policy in Malaysia The Government recognised the inter-linkages between population and development processes The Government recognised that continued population growth does not necessarily have a negative effect on development A larger population, and the increased domestic market can be beneficial in achieving national development goals provided that the quality and productivity of the population are being constantly raised A specific population size of 70 million was identified as an ideal target towards which Malaysia might aim at by 2100. Mid-term review of the 4th Malaysian Plan (1981 – 1985)

Evolution of Population Policy in Malaysia Reassessment of the policy (Population Strategic Plan Study 1992) Total fertility rate was dropping faster than expected The quantitative target of 70 million population by the year 2100 will, therefore, not be achieved The main thrust of our future population programme is to sustain population growth that is in balance with resources and development The Vision 2020 Policy stresses human resource development as well as the need for the creation of an economically resilient and fully competitive community Quality of the population is a more concern matter rather than quantity Sustain population growth that is in balance with resources and development

Evolution of Population Policy in Malaysia Second Population Strategic Plan Study, 2009 shows that Malaysian families are getting smaller and the total fertility rate is dropping much faster. Some recommendations: 1 A period of paid paternity leave 2 Paid compassionate leave in cases of children's sickness 3 More flexible working hours 4 Child-minding facilities at the workplace 5 Government subsidies for childcare costs incurred by working mothers 6 Increasing tax concession for dependent children 7 Programmes to encourage husbands to be more fully involved in childrearing and household activities 8 Unmet needs for contraception need to be fully met

Other Population-related Policies National Social Policy National Policy on Women and Plan of Action National Policy for Older Persons and Plan of Action National Policy on Reproductive Health and Social Education Other Population-related Policies

National Social Policy (2003) NSP provides the framework for the planning and implementation of social development programmes, to create a progressive and established Malaysian society with every member having the opportunity to develop his/her potential. Specifically, the NSP seeks to: To ensure that the basic necessities of the individual, family and community are provided for; To develop and empower humans for life; To consolidate and develop the social support system and services; and To generate multi-sector synergy. NSP being reviewed, to be replaced with a New Social Model.

National Women Policy The setting/issues Policy response Impact Women have made great stride in education, but still lagging in employment and decision-making. Increased recognition of women’s role. The 1989 National Policy on Women was revised in 2009, to ensure an equitable sharing of resources and benefits of development for men and women. Increased female labor force participation, especially among the higher educated. More and more women are holding key positions in government and private sector. Contributing to family wellbeing and national development.

National Policy for Older Persons and Plan of Action (2011) The setting/issues Policy response Impact Increasing life expectancy Older people will make up 15% of pop by 2030 from 8% now Under-utilization of human resources Care and support dwindling extended family Inadequate social protection High cost of long term care New policy based on a review of the 1995 National Policy for the Elderly and the principles of the MIPAA, to ensure an enabling and supportive environment for the well-being of older people, and to promote healthy, active and productive ageing. Raise retirement age to 60. 100% tax rebate on cost to retrain older persons. Tax rebate of up to RM5,000 to encourage family care. The effectiveness of the various programs has not been evaluated. More older people are expected to continue working following the extension of retirement age.

National Policy on Reproductive Health and Social Education (PEKERTI) The setting/issues Policy response Impact Problems of youth sexuality and RH Drug addiction HIV/AIDS Erosion of parental guidance Negative influence of social media National Reproductive Health and Social Education Policy in 2009, aims to empower adolescents with knowledge and positive attitudes towards social and reproductive health. 2011- Implement of Reproductive Health and Social Education (RHSE) in the National Service Training Curriculum (PLKN) PEKERTI@PLKN 2012- PEKERTI@SEKOLAH The Government of Malaysia has established thirteen youth-friendly adolescent centres known as kafe@TEEN

Family in Malaysia: Socio-demographic context Number of Households, Family Size, Family Structure, 1980, 1991, 2000, 2010 1980 1991 2000 2010 Number of Households (million) 2.5 3.5 4.8 6.4 Average Family Size (persons) 5.22 4.92 4.62 4.31 Family Structure (%) Nuclear Extended Single 55 28 9 60 26 8 65 20 7 70 18 Source: Malaysian Census, 1980, 1991, 2000, 2010

CHALLENGES Structure, roles and responsibilities of Malaysian families will continue to change Work and family life will become highly interdependent More parents will face “time-bind” More Malaysians remaining single, delaying marriage and having fewer children Youth may adopt increasingly liberal views towards sexual intimacy, marriage, commitment and childbearing More women will enter the labour Family mobility will increase

Flexible Working Arrangements programme Parental Leave Cash Allowances Flexible Working Arrangements programme Maternity leave Paternity leave Family policy in Malaysia Divided into means-tested and non-means tested under Child Act 2001 and Care Centre Act 1993 Parental Leaves are divided into two schemes: Maternity leave, addressed in 1955 Employment Act, can last for 60 consecutive days of leaves at full pay. Maternity leaves have increased from 60 days to 90 days since the beginning of 2011for civil servants. Some banks, state government employees and multinational companies begin to follow the 90 days of leaves. Policy of 5 years unpaid leave for childcare without losing out on seniority and service. Paternity leave for civil servants increased from 3 days to 7 days beginning 2003. Cash Allowances are divided into means-tested and non-means tested under Child Act 2001 and Care Centre Act 1993. A RM180 subsidy is given for each child sent to childcare centres for civil servants with a household income of less than RM5,000 A RM250 subsidy is given for parents with household income of not more than RM900 who sent their children to private childcare centres registered under the Social Welfare Department Grant for opening up nursery and childcare centres. Government agencies that provide child care centres at their work place will be given a RM200,000 grant to renovate and furnish their facilities. The government agency does not operate the centre themselves. It is usually out-sourced to an association or individual who has to submit a working paper to the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development with a recommendation from that relevant government agency. - Employers from the private sector who set up child care centres are given a 10% tax reduction per annum on the setting up cost for a period of 10 years. This is only for child care centres that are set up at the work place. - Tax relief of RM1,000 per child under the Income Tax Act 1967.   Flexible Working Arrangements programme also known as FlexWorkLife.my, a collaboration between the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and TalentCorp was created to provide a solution that women are faced with challenges of having to juggle personal commitments and work responsibilities. It aims to build a network of employers and talent to optimise work-life integration, while maximising work efficiency and enhancing employee enhancement. A collaboration between MWFCD and TalentCorp

National Family Policy (2010) NFP adopted in 2010 to prioritise family perspective in all development efforts to ensure quality generations. It aims to develop prosperous, healthy and resilient families to ensure social stability. 3 Strategic Thrusts: Commitment/ involvement of various stakeholders; Enforcement of laws and regulations; and Services and family-friendly facilities are accessible.

1. Research and development on family wellbeing National Family Policy (2010): Strategies STRATEGIES 1. Research and development on family wellbeing 2. Advocacy to prioritise family wellbeing 3. Training and lifelong education for human capital development and family wellbeing 4. Provision of resources 5. Consultation and strategic partnerships with various Governments agencies, private sector, NGOs, institutions of higher learning and the community 6. Conducive environment for family empowerment 7. Monitoring and evaluation

Current Programme for Family NFP 1Malaysia Family First Movement Family perspective commitment Review policies and laws to be more family friendly Accessibility to family friendly services

Family Wellbeing Index 2011 RAHSIA Family Wellbeing Index 2011 Family relations 7.82 Family economy 6.90 Housing & environment 7.28 Family Wellbeing Index 2011 7.55 Family health 7.38 Family & religion 8.25 Family & community 7.83 Family & safety 7.39 RAHSIA

Recommendations for Family Policy Moving Ahead: Recommendations for Family Policy Work-life balance deserves more attention Gender-neutral policy: More men should involve in child-rearing & household responsibilities On-site public-private partnership child care centre Preparation to an ageing nation: Harnessing the second demographic dividend & Inter-generational Transfer Need more resource for family policy

Thank You / LPPKN_Malaysia 03-2693 7555 03-2693 7250 www.lppkn.gov.my penduduk@lppkn.gov.my