Kuala Lumpur: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has received applications from over 1,700 couples for the Fertility Treatment Aid and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) initiative since its launch in February this year, surpassing the initial target of 1,300 couples. Its chairperson, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, revealed that LPPKN plans to request additional government funds to accommodate the rising demand.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme was introduced to assist couples facing fertility issues by providing a government subsidy of RM2,000 for two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. The cost of fertility treatments can be substantial, often exceeding RM50,000. Rohani stated that due to the overwhelming response, LPPKN will discuss with the ministry to secure further funding.

She shared these insights during the state-level 2025 Mother's Day celebration, where Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) scientist Prof Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail was recognized as the state's Anugerah Inspirasi Ibu recipient. Rohani also noted that several couples have already conceived and expect their firstborn by the year's end.

Rohani encouraged married couples under 35 who have not conceived to seek treatment at LPPKN Subfertility Clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak, and Penang. Meanwhile, a 2024 Mother's Day survey indicated that nine out of ten mothers find their responsibilities more challenging today due to factors like cost of living, work demands, financial struggles, and lack of personal time.

The government is implementing various initiatives under the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, including programmes like Kasih Ibu Tunggal, a skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, and Wanita Bangkit. LPPKN is also offering grants for research on young mothers' challenges to better address their needs.