In an unusual move, a Malaysian state has offered to help pay for the maids of young parents so as to encourage them to have more babies.
Malaysia's northeastern Terengganu state said it will reduce kindergarten fees and couples could also avail of loans to start a business if their earnings were below a certain amount.
The monthly fee at a state-run kindergarten is about Ringitt 250 (Rs 4200) but parents paid only Ringitt 180 (Rs 3000) after discount.
"The government was keen that young couples get married," Terengganu Family Development Foundation director Mohd Shafaruddin Mustafa was quoted as saying by The Star.
"We want them to have more babies. The state's fertility rate has been dropping," he said.
He said the state would pay Ringitt 200 out of the Ringitt 900 monthly salary for a maid.
Sharafudin said there was no income ceiling or strict criteria for the maid assistance programme.
"Anyone can apply," he said, adding that the scheme was open to all races.
While other countries support young parents with tax breaks, maternity and paternity leave or free child care, the move for a state to specifically co-pay for a maid is unusual.
Terengganu will also give Ringitt 100 to every newborn in the form of an education savings scheme, besides free consultation and support services to families in need, said Shafaruddin.
