| 1. Title: Towards an optimum population: the Malaysian case. Author: Jones G Source: People. 1985;12(4):14-6. Abstract: Malaysia is unique among Commonwealth countries in aiming to increase its population nearly 5-fold by the end of the 21st century, from the 1980 level of 13.7 million to 70 million by the year 2100. Policies conducive to attainment of this longterm demographic target have already been adopted, including revisions of child relief allowances and maternity benefits. The National Population and Family Development Board, formerly the National Family Planning Board, has advocated continuation of the national family planning program but with greater emphasis on birth spacing, infertility management, and genetic and marriage counseling. Malaysia appears able to absorb a larger population at higher levels of living than at present. Economic growth has been impressive over the last 2 decades, with a growth rate of 7.7%/year from 1970-83. However, whether rapid population growth will help efforts to maintain rapid economic growth is a controversial issue. For Malaysia to support a population of 70 million, a heavy dependence on the world economy and the growth of some very large cities would be required. Achievement of a population of 70 million by 2100 would require a decline in the fertility rate of only .1 every 5 years. Other strategies developed to increase the population size include further reduction in mortality rates; encouragement of earlier age at marriage; and the integration of value systems centered around marriage, childbearing and childbearing into school curricula. Language: English Keywords: MALAYSIA | ASIA, SOUTHEASTERN | PRONATALIST POLICY | POPULATION POLICY | POLICY | SOCIAL POLICY | POLITICAL FACTORS | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | DEVELOPMENT PLANNING | MACROECONOMIC FACTORS | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Planning | Economic Factors Document Number: 032244 |
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