PETALING JAYA: While the number of live births among the Chinese community in the first quarter of this year may be lower than that in 2023, this trend could shift later.
This is because many Chinese couples believe that the Year of the Dragon is an auspicious time to have children.
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Ian Choo, 32, from Melaka, said the number of births among the Chinese is likely to be higher in the second half of the year.
“Based on what I know, there is a peak period for giving birth for the Chinese. Normally, many babies would be born between June and December compared to the first six months,” said Choo, who is expecting his second child this month.
However, he acknowledged that raising children would not be easy for all due to the challenges, primarily costs.
“The cost of living is the main challenge. (We need to spend on) medical cards, milk powder, diapers and healthcare.
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“There are also other ‘hidden costs’, which could come unexpectedly,” he said.
According to the Statistics Department, the number of live births recorded for the Chinese and Indian communities had decreased to 8.8% and 3.7% in the first quarter of this year from 9.7% and 4.3% last year.
Bank officer Joelle Lim, who recently gave birth, said the cost at confinement centres had increased with soaring demand.
“Confinement centres are charging RM3,000 higher for all rooms just because it is the Dragon Year,” she said.
Lim said she and her husband had planned to have another child this year.
“At first, we didn’t realise that it was the Dragon Year. The plan was that we agreed to try for another child when our firstborn is three years old,” said the 36-year-old, who is from Kuala Lumpur.
“I’ve discussed this among my friends and we think births among the Chinese will most likely increase (this year) because the Chinese zodiac after the Dragon Year might not be as auspicious.”
However, another man, who only wants to be known as Lee, 29, said he and his wife had decided not to raise a child as they could not afford the costs due to other commitments.
“We still have to care for our elderly parents,” said Lee, who got married four years ago.
The decision not to have a child was also made after considering that to raise one, they would need up to RM3,000 per month, he added.
“There would be so many expenses – from diapers to milk – and when they get older, we would need to send them to daycare. We’re not sure if we can afford to do so at the moment,” he said.
A media executive identified as Jimmy, 28, who will be getting married soon, has decided with his fiancée that they will only raise a child a few years later.
“I want kids but not right after our marriage. Maybe two years later when my future wife and I are financially stable,” he said.
Realising the high cost of raising children, said Jimmy, made him more cautious in planning his family.
“I’m aware of the costs of child rearing and that’s why I’m choosing to take my time and be well prepared,” he added.
