Balancing population growth and governance: policy perspective from Malaysia

Abstract

This essay explored Malaysia’s population growth strategies, emphasising the crucial role of governance. The focus was on the evolution of Malaysia’s population policies, from addressing post-war ‘baby boom’ concerns to adopting more voluntary and balanced approaches. Methodology In contrast to strict population control measures, Malaysian policies emphasised contraception use and family planning services, reflecting its multicultural and diverse population. The review examines the integration of population policies within economic development frameworks, as exemplified by the ambitious “70 Million Population Policy” adopted in 1984 to boost the labour force. Furthermore, it examined how economic development policies affect population dynamics, focusing on initiatives such as flexible working hours, paid parental leave, and childcare at work to maintain a balanced demographic landscape. In addition, a comparison was also made between Malaysia's reliance on immigrant workers and Japan's immigration reform laws to examine the impact of immigration policies on population growth. This essay comprehensively analysed of Malaysia’s action to strengthen national policies and initiatives in response to population growth trends. It highlighted the complex interactions among migration, economic development, and population policy, emphasising the pivotal role of governance in shaping the nation’s demographic trajectory. In a world with many countries facing difficulties related to population growth, Malaysia’s experience offers a useful case study with wider ramifications for nations looking to optimise and manage their demographic landscapes.