LPPKN FOCUSES ON FUTURE FAMILY CHALLENGES AMID AGEING POPULATION, DIGITAL SHIFT

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) is sharpening its focus on future family challenges driven by demographic shifts, digital technology and the rise of smaller household structures, said its deputy director-general (Policy) Hairil Fadzly Md Akir.

He said the move aims to help the agency better assess the impact of population change and emerging challenges on Malaysian families, while ensuring they remain resilient and progressive.

“In looking ahead, we apply foresight thinking and future scenario thinking.

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“Based on research and monitoring of social indicators, there will be demographic changes affecting both the population and the family institution,” he said on Bernama TV’s Kasih Lensa Keluarga podcast.

Hairil Fadzly said this when asked about LPPKN’s long-term planning for the next two decades.

He said the megatrends that require attention include Malaysia’s transition into an ageing nation, the challenges of managing digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity aspects that are becoming increasingly important in modern family life.

He added that shrinking household sizes also place pressure on domestic support networks, making it essential to reinforce family values.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, these values are encapsulated in the K.A.S.I.H code — Kasih sayang (Love), Akhlak (Morals), Sihat & Selamat (Health & Safety), Ilmu (Knowledge) and Harmoni (Harmony) — to nurture a caring, ethical and harmonious society.

“K-A-S-I-H is important because value management supports the family institution. When challenges arise, families and the community serve as support systems,” he said, adding that initiatives will be aligned with these values.

Reflecting on LPPKN’s upcoming 60th anniversary, Hairil Fadzly said the agency has played a central role in family well-being since its establishment in 1966.

He said Malaysia was also among the earliest countries to develop a dedicated family policy, before the National Family Policy (DKN) was introduced in 2010 as a national commitment to prioritising family institutions in social development.

The concept of family well-being was introduced and tracked through a set of indicators developed in 2011, with subsequent series released in 2016, 2019 and 2024.

“Efforts to strengthen families were further expanded when November was declared National Family Month in 2014, prior to the drafting of a new family policy to chart the next 10 years,” he added.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and LPPKN are currently updating the DKN to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to economic, demographic and social changes, in support of family well-being and the inclusive, progressive aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

-- BERNAMA