Partner Highlights

Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing)

 

With the aim of focusing on population dynamics, this initiative seeks to establish a more efficient, effective and sustainable social protection system which provides increased coverage throughout the lifecycle and, subsequently, further progress towards women's equality in the economy. Some key activities carried out include the organisation of the 7th Asia Pacific Population Conference (APPC) where UNFPA Malaysia, alongside the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) were part of the national secretariat. Alongside MyAgeing, several consultative meetings with stakeholders were conducted to support the country's participation in the event and ensure the participation of youth and civil society organisations. 

We also support the annual National Population Conference (PERKKS), which plays a pivotal role in addressing issues related to population dynamics and family challenges. This crucial platform's main purpose is for researchers to present their findings related to population issues and bring forth policy enhancements to further propel the nation forward. 

The programme with MyAgeing represents a strategic response to Malaysia's evolving demographic landscape by ensuring older persons' well-being and embracing a whole-of-society approach. Further work will include research on index households, validation of centenarians, aged care micro-credentials, pilot-intervention programmes and more. 

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO)

Available data indicates over 800,000 partnered women have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence - and these are only a fraction of cases that are reported to the authorities annually. To support survivors, WAO provides services such as shelter and counselling, as well as advocacy and capacity-building efforts. WAO also conducts case and community engagements aimed at empowering survivors and society to advocate for change while engaging in evidence-based advocacy to drive systemic change in laws, policies and institutions. 

With those shared goals, UNFPA Malaysia collaborates with WAO to increase the adoption of inclusive social norms and values, which denounce harmful practices and schools of thought that affect women and girls. Upcoming activities under this collaboration include capacity-building training for women from grassroots communities on responding to gender-based violence effectively and developing a comprehensive module that supports the training. 

National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN)

 

Malaysia's Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) remains low at 52.5%, with only 34.3% utilising modern contraceptive methods, while the unmet needs for family planning stand at approximately 19.6%. The country's barriers to accessing family planning services primarily lie in the lack of education, awareness and understanding of the issue. Family planning is often overlooked and lacks a broader viewpoint encompassing the well-being of the mother, child and the entire family. 

In light of this, UNFPA Malaysia works alongside LPPKN, a board within the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, to work towards prioritising access to information and services for sexual and reproductive rights, particularly for marginalised groups, including people with disabilities, via the prioritisation of these crucial needs in health policies. We also work closely with LPPKN to strengthen national and subnational capacities to design, implement, and monitor policies and programmes related to comprehensive sexuality education for adolescents. Activities include evaluating and improving the National Reproductive Health and Social Education Policy and Action Plan (PEKERTI), conducting family planning advocacy forums to facilitate discussions and further carrying out research to understand family planning among Malaysian women. 

Population Studies Unity, University Malaysia (PSU)

Data indicate that Malaysia is expected to be an ageing nation by 2030, when 15.3% of the population will be aged 60 and above. Therefore, it is crucial to understand further demographic trends and the challenges and opportunities they bring to the country. 

Looking at the opportunities and challenges ahead, UNFPA Malaysia collaborated with the PSU to further fortify policies related to population ageing and its intersections with gender quality by employing a life-cycle and rights-based approach. A landmark study was published in 2023 on the Demographic and Socioeconomic Changes in Sabah, highlighting crucial insights into what lies ahead for the state. In addition, PSU also plays a key role in carrying out advocacy activities in the state to raise awareness and garner support in addressing population ageing in the state and for Malaysia in general.