KUALA LUMPUR, 4 November 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia’s average household size has declined from 4.0 persons in 2014 to 3.8 in 2024, reflecting changes in the country’s demographic and family structures.
The findings were revealed in the Sixth Malaysian Population and Family Survey (KPKM-6) 2024, launched by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri during the National Population Conference 2026 (PERKKS26) in Kuala Lumpur on 3 November.
Conducted by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the survey examined demographic changes, family formation, reproductive health, family life, adolescents and older persons in Malaysia.
Among its key findings, more than eight in 10 unmarried individuals expressed an intention to marry, while the average desired number of children declined from 3.9 to 3.4.
The survey also identified concerns surrounding reproductive health awareness among adolescents, with 63.9 per cent found to have low levels of reproductive health knowledge.
Meanwhile, 74.1 per cent of older persons reported having at least one non-communicable disease, highlighting health challenges associated with Malaysia’s ageing population.
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The findings provide updated empirical evidence to support the development of family policies and programmes that respond to changing social and demographic needs.
Based on the survey results, LPPKN aims to strengthen existing initiatives, including the SMARTSTART premarital education programme, family formation support, counselling services and family planning programmes.
Other initiatives include the PEKERTI adolescent reproductive health education programme and Parenting@Work, which focuses on parenting support.
The ministry said research findings would continue to guide improvements in family development programmes to ensure policies remain targeted, inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of Malaysian society.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat KPWKM, the survey will serve as an important reference for strengthening family development strategies and addressing emerging demographic challenges – The Capital Post
