KUCHING: Malaysia is stepping up efforts to promote breastfeeding by strengthening a sustainable support system involving government agencies, healthcare providers, employers, and the community.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, in a speech delivered by deputy director-general of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, said the theme for this year’s National-Level World Breastfeeding Week — ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Build a Sustainable Support System’ — highlights the importance of collaboration to safeguard the well-being of mothers, infants, and families.
“Today, we are not only celebrating our achievements but also strengthening our commitment to empower breastfeeding for the health of babies, mothers, families, communities, and the nation,” Lukanisman said during the launch of the event at KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital today.
Citing findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, Lukanisman said 94.9 per cent of Malaysian mothers have breastfed their babies, with the exclusive breastfeeding rate rising significantly from 14.4 per cent in 2009 to 74.1 per cent in 2024, adding that in Sarawak, one in two babies is exclusively breastfed and he described this as an encouraging achievement.
He added that his ministry has introduced several initiatives to empower mothers, including the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), Baby-Friendly Clinics, and the Code of Ethics for the Marketing of Infant Foods and Related Products.
To date, 128 (93.4 per cent) of 137 government hospitals and 31 (17.2 per cent) of 180 private hospitals nationwide have obtained BFHI recognition. Within the KPJ Healthcare network, 20 out of 30 hospitals have achieved the same accreditation.
He also highlighted improved benefits for working parents, noting that public servants are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave, while private-sector employees enjoy 98 days of paid maternity leave under the Employment Act 1955 (Amendment 2022).
Private-sector fathers are now eligible for seven days of paid paternity leave to better support their partners and strengthen family bonds.
Lukanisman urged families, employers, NGOs, and the wider community to work together in creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers by providing facilities such as nursing rooms, workplace crèches, and breastfeeding spaces in public areas.
He also encouraged Sarawakians to embrace the spirit of ‘gotong-royong’ in supporting breastfeeding practices at home, workplaces, and within communities.
