Kuala lumpur: For the first time, the government is implementing targeted interventions to help the 'sandwich' generation make informed decisions on family planning. Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced the initiative as more young people are choosing to delay or forgo having children.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government aims to address economic pressures, the cost of living, and responsibilities towards ageing parents that affect the 'sandwich' generation, contributing to a decline in the total fertility rate (TFR). The term 'sandwich' generation refers to adults caring for elderly parents while supporting their children financially and emotionally.

Nancy highlighted efforts to strengthen the National Fertility Plan, which includes the Fertility Treatment and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BUAI). This programme focuses on raising awareness of male fertility issues and has registered 1,300 participants with a 12 per cent success rate. Other measures available are in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and the Smart Start programme for married couples.

Additionally, the government is expanding reproductive health education through the KafeTEEN programme. This initiative aims to educate students and adolescents on sexual responsibility, teenage pregnancy prevention, and fertility awareness.

Addressing the challenges of an ageing population, Nancy mentioned that the government is investing in the care economy to meet the needs of older citizens. Initiatives like Elderly Activity Centres (PAWE) and the Elderly Action Plan are underway, supported by 160 research projects on ageing, with grants ranging from RM10,000 to RM50,000.

Nancy assured that the government will continue to offer policy support and interventions, tackling fertility issues, population ageing, and the pressures on the 'sandwich' generation in a comprehensive manner.