Budget 2027: LPPKN Fertility Programmes Among KPWKM’s Key Priorities

KUCHING, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Allocations to expand fertility programmes under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) will be a key focus of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) in Budget 2027.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the move is important to address the country’s declining birth rate, particularly in states such as Sarawak and Penang.

“We are already doing this (through LPPKN), but we want to place greater emphasis on it next year, particularly among young people. We are aware that some people say the issue is not only fertility but also economic pressures.

“However, the government will address the economic aspect through other ministries. For KPWKM, our focus is on programmes that can encourage people to have children, as we need to increase the birth rate in the country,” she said.

She told reporters this after officiating the launch of the PERANTIS-PENDAYA 2.0 programme: Empowering Dayak Women Entrepreneurs for Leadership, Scale and Sustainability, here today.

Asked about the national fertility rate study, Nancy said the details and findings will be presented at the opening of LPPKN’s new building in Kuching.

On the PERANTIS programme, she said 400 participants joined the programme in Sarawak this year, with 11 selected as apprentices to receive mentoring.

The programme, a collaboration between the ministry, the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Women Empowerment and Sustainability Networking Association (WESNA) Kuching, aims to empower Dayak women entrepreneurs through a 90-day action plan and stronger modern business strategies.

-- BERNAMA