PROGRAM PERANCANG KELUARGA DALAM PERKHIDMATAN KESIHATAN AWAM DI SEMENANJUNG MALAYSIA, 1957-1975

Abstract

This article discusses the family planning programme in the public health service between 1957 and 1975 in Peninsular Malaysia. The Family Planning Programme began in 1966 to regulate the annual population growth rate which was disproportionate to economic development. The government felt that the unchecked population growth might affect the population health status, especially causing deaths due to disease complications. This method of family planning, other than addressing the medical problem, aimed from an economic standpoint to balance population growth and national development. This study analyse the extent of the efficacy of the family planning programme in addressing the problem of unchecked population growth, and ensuring the improvement of health level and economic development. The findings show that the family planning programme succeeded in reducing population growth after its launch. Through its programmes, at the end of 1970, statistics show that around 78,400 birth were prevented, and this meant the population at the time was aware of family planning education. In addition, maternal and child mortality rates also dwindled. Therefore, it can be argued that this policy by the government was effective in controlling population growth in the context of health control and ensured the prevention of the negative impact of unchecked birth rates.