Malaysia’s fertility landscape has witnessed profound changes over the decades, shifting from an average of 4.9 children per woman in 1970 to just 1.6 in 2022, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). This significant decline has placed the country below the replacement level since 2013.
DoSM attributes this trend to several factors, with delayed marriages being a key contributor. Many women are choosing to marry and start families later in life, primarily due to pursuing higher education and career opportunities. The average age of marriage has risen notably, from 24.7 years in 1990 to 28.9 years in 2022, which directly impacts fertility rates.
"If the fertility rate continues to decrease, the size of Malaysian families will also diminish in the future," stated DoSM. This prediction aligns with the Malaysian Census 2020 findings, which show a decline in average household size from 5.5 people in 1970 to 3.9 people in 2020. Such a trend suggests a potential reduction in Malaysia’s overall population.
This information was highlighted in a statement released for World Population Day, observed on July 11 since 1989, to raise awareness about global population issues. The theme for this year, "Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Sustainable and Equitable Future for All," emphasizes the importance of using data and information as foundational tools for implementing initiatives across various societal levels.
Globally, DoSM noted that the world population has surged from one billion in 1800 to 8.1 billion in 2024. However, the growth rate has decelerated since 1950 due to declining fertility rates worldwide. The total fertility rate (TFR) globally is 2.3 children per woman, while Malaysia’s TFR stands at 1.6 as of 2022.
In Malaysia, the crude birth rate (CBR) has also seen a significant drop, from 43.3 births per 1,000 population in 1958 to 12.9 births in 2022. Within the country, Terengganu reported the highest CBR at 21.3 births per 1,000 population in 2022, whereas Kuala Lumpur had the lowest at 10.1 births. At the district level, Song in Sarawak and Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu recorded the highest CBRs at 24.3 births, while Kinabatangan in Sabah had the lowest at 4.6 births.
Life expectancy in Malaysia has seen an upward trend. A baby born in 2023 is expected to live up to 74.8 years on average, with males and females expected to reach 72.5 and 77.4 years, respectively, compared to 61.6 and 65.6 years in 1970. The highest life expectancy at birth for both men and women in 2023 was recorded in Selangor at 78.1 years, while Terengganu recorded the lowest at 71.2 years.
These demographic changes reflect broader shifts in societal norms and economic conditions, underscoring the importance of comprehensive data in understanding and addressing population trends.
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