As World Population Day 2025 draws attention to shifting demographics and the right to choose, more individuals – especially women – are rethinking parenthood in the face of modern pressures. In Sarawak and beyond, declining birth rates reveal more than just numbers – they reflect evolving priorities, fears, and newfound freedoms.
Shaping the Future: Youth, Fertility, and the Right to Choose
A NATION’S population is vital for driving economic growth, ensuring social development, and securing a sustainable future.
In Sarawak, the population rose from 2.5 million in 2023 to 2.52 million in 2024. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), this increase was due to a rise in both citizens and non-citizens.
However, a point of concern is the drop in the rate of live births – from 7,642 in the first quarter of 2024 to 6,847 in the first quarter of 2025. The data also shows more boys being born than girls.
Speaking at a past press conference, Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said such patterns could have future social implications, including difficulties in finding life partners due to gender imbalances.
Meanwhile, a separate United Nations (UN) report confirms a global decline in fertility, with women having on average, one fewer child than in 1990 – bringing the fertility rate to 2.3 live births per woman as of 2024.
The same report notes that by 2080, the number of elderly people will exceed the population of children under 18.
By the mid-2030s, those aged 80 and above will outnumber infants. By the late 2040s, the global fertility rate is expected to fall further to 2.1.
The Rise of the Child-Free Choice
What’s behind this shift?
Research by Dr Rashida Aini Mohd Ismail for the Penang Institute highlights the growing child-free trend among young adults, influenced by financial constraints, personal autonomy, and lifestyle choices.
Her findings reflect changing societal norms and individual aspirations, especially within the context of modern economic and lifestyle challenges.
“While traditionally considered unconventional – especially in Asian cultures – this trend is gaining momentum due to shifting personal values,” she notes.
“Couples today are prioritising personal fulfilment, financial security, and career goals over starting a family.”
The UNFPA further states that many couples are influenced by anxieties about the future – including climate change, environmental degradation, war, and pandemics – which impact decisions on whether or not to have children.
Economic pressures also weigh heavily, with housing, childcare costs, and job insecurity being major deterrents. Some 39 per cent reported financial issues as a barrier to having their desired number of children.
Local voices on parenthood
To better understand this from a Sarawakian perspective, the Sarawak Tribune surveyed married women – both with and without children.
Eve, a 35-year-old professional in the white-collar sector, chose not to have children.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she reconsidered, briefly entertaining the idea of having one child due to family pressure, particularly from relatives.
But after some time and reflection, she reverted to her initial stance.
“The main reasons are the heavy responsibilities, financial burden, and lack of time to properly raise a child – things I’m not prepared or willing to take on,” she shared.
However, she acknowledged the cultural pressure surrounding her decision.
“In traditional Asian culture, there’s a strong emphasis on continuing the family line and passing down the surname. That makes childbearing feel like an obligation instead of a choice.
“Personally, I question that belief. People should have the freedom to decide the kind of life they want – with or without children,” she said.
Though she values her independence, Eve admits uncertainty about the future.
“It’s not necessarily about wanting someone to take care of me, but rather the fear of isolation or not having a reliable support system later in life,” she added.
Meanwhile, for 33-year-old housewife, Nurul Nadiah, the original plan was to have four children. That changed after she had two sons.
“Being a parent is not easy. It’s not just about money – it’s also about time and mental health,” she said.
“At first, I was curious about what parenthood would feel like. But I learned that it’s all about being responsible, day in and day out.”
Nadiah and her husband are content with two children, noting the struggle of raising more. Aside from economic reasons, they aim to spend quality time equally with both children and ensure they receive adequate attention and love.
Despite already having two boys, Nadiah said she still faces pressure from her community to have more children.
“People seem to think raising children is easy. But with the rise of digital content and social media, we’re dealing with new parenting challenges, including social and behavioural concerns when children absorb content online,” she shared.
Looking back, looking forward
In the 1950s, it was common to see a mother juggling five or more children. Life was simpler. My own maternal grandmother had 10 children, each of whom became independent by their early teens.
Today, that’s no longer practical. With rising costs and evolving societal norms, parenthood is now a calculated decision.
Whereas it was once normal to have children in your teens, the global average age for childbearing has risen to 28.
This year, World Population Day is themed around ‘Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world’.
The message is clear – youth must be given the rights, tools, and opportunities to shape their future.
“There are 1.8 billion young people aged between 10 and 24 – the largest generation in history. They face economic insecurity, gender inequality, limited access to healthcare and education, climate disruption, and conflict,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
“They are not only shaping our future; they are demanding one that is just, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Today, decisions about childbearing are deeply personal – shaped by love, tradition, and the stark realities of our times.
Empowering young people means respecting their choices, supporting them with the right policies, and creating a society where building a family – of any size, or none at all – is a hopeful and respected journey.
Ultimately, the future of our population isn’t just about numbers – it lies in the well-being, autonomy, and aspirations of the people who shape it.
On Motherhood, Pressure and Perspective
Sarawakian mums, Lilian and Yee Chee, share how their views on having children evolved over time – and why parenthood should never be a forced decision.
Lilian, 39, part-time salesperson
“Back then, I didn’t want children. But things changed – who knew I could actually cope with having so many around? Now, I see it as a gift from God. Whether I wanted it or not, I feel blessed with four children.
“I believe couples should only have children when they are ready and financially stable, because everything is so expensive now. If you can’t afford to raise a child, then don’t have one. Parenthood is a long-term responsibility – not just about fulfilling your family’s expectations.”
Yee Chee, 39, educator and mumpreneur
“I wanted zero children! But now I have two sons – because my husband wanted children. I wasn’t sure I could handle it, because giving birth and parenting is a lifelong commitment.
“Personally, I think no one should feel pressured into having children. It’s a deeply personal decision, and we shouldn’t live our lives according to what others think.”
