tags - Sinar Daily

The declining birth rate is not necessarily driven by economic factors alone, but is more closely linked to awareness levels and the confidence of young couples in raising children.

Globally, governments have been tightening oversight of children's social media access due to concerns over cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and declining mental health among minors.

A teenager holds a mobile phone displaying a message from social media platform Instagram after the account was locked for age verification in Sydney on December 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Muhammad Shah Rizal Azuardi, a Bidor-born entrepreneur, chose to return to his hometown and continue his family’s apam balik legacy - a life decision made with full awareness despite holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology and Agriculture. - Bernama photo

Photo illustrated via Canva

Experts have raised concerns over the economic and social impact of the ageing population, particularly the risk of labour shortages as the number of retirees grows faster than the working-age population. - File photo

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (two left) visiting a booth at the World #Quran Convention 2025 at the Perdana Hall, Miti, Kuala Lumpur. He was accompanied by WUIF founder Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (left) and Jakim deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Mohamad Ajib Ismail (right). - Photo by ROSLI TALIB

Median age is the midpoint of a population’s age distribution; as it increases, it reflects the combined effects of longer life expectancy and declining birth rates. Photo illustrated via Canva

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the incident reflected a new and worrying trend in which individuals who voiced critical views become vulnerable to retaliation, including violence.

Japan's declining birthrate and rapid ageing population have created a social problem where elderly people with limited physical ability are increasingly forced to care for their older relatives. - AFP file photo