KUCHING: Sarawak is witnessing a steady demographic shift as birth rates continue to decline while the state’s ageing population trends upward, which raise concern about long-term social planning and policy adjustments.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said statistics indicate a consistent drop in birth rates, accompanied by a persistent gender imbalance since 2019.
“Data shows that more boys are being born than girls, and this has been the trend for the past five years.
“Such patterns may carry future social consequences, including difficulties in finding life partners due to the gender disparity,” she said.
She said this in a press conference after conducting working visit to the National Registration Department (JPN) here today.
She noted that these figures would also impact the planning of state welfare initiatives, such as the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), which allocates RM1,000 for every Sarawakian child.
“If the number of births continues to decline, we will need to reassess budget allocations for the EFS during the upcoming budget exercises,” she added.
On a broader note, Fatimah also expressed concern about the state’s rapidly ageing population, pointing to forecasts that Sarawak will become an ageing state by 2028, when 15 per cent of the population will be 60 years or older.
“While this reflects improved healthcare and longer life expectancy, it also brings with it new challenges,” she said.
According to her, the state government is currently assessing needs, service gaps, and support systems for elderly residents to ensure they live with dignity and quality of life.
“Being proactive is essential. We want our senior citizens to have access to the right support, whether it’s in healthcare, mobility assistance, or community-based services,” she said.
Fatimah emphasised that strategic preparations are already underway, and efforts are being made to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to identify and address the evolving needs of the elderly in Sarawak.
